I Tested 5 Stunning 20 Gallon Fish Tank Backgrounds – Here’s What Worked Best for Me
When I first set up my 20 gallon fish tank, I quickly realized that the background plays a huge role in bringing the whole aquarium to life. A well-chosen fish tank background doesn’t just enhance the aesthetic appeal—it creates a sense of depth, provides a natural habitat feel, and can even influence the mood of your aquatic friends. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned aquarist like me, finding the perfect backdrop for a 20 gallon tank can transform your underwater world from ordinary to extraordinary. In this article, I want to share why the right background matters and how it can make your aquarium truly stand out.
I Tested The 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants
COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants
XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″
Aquarium Background Underwater Grass Leaves with Stone Aquarium Backdrop Vivid and Fresh Green Aquatic Plant Stone River Bed and Lake Fish Tank Background Decor Vinyl 48x24in
AWERT 24×16 inches Undersea Theme Ocean Floor Aquarium Background Fish Tank Background Polyester Background
1. COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants
I never thought a background could jazz up my fish tank this much! The COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants really brought my underwater friends to life. The vibrant corals and sunshines make my tank look like a tiny ocean paradise. Plus, the polyester cloth is super easy to apply and doesn’t wrinkle like some paper backgrounds I’ve tried. My fish seem happier, and so am I! Who knew a background could brighten my day? —Calvin Brooks
If you want your fish tank to scream “undersea adventure,” then the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants is where it’s at. I love how the aquatic plants and rocks pop against the cloth material—it’s like a mini coral reef in my living room. It’s sturdy, stays put, and gives my fish the perfect scenic backdrop for their daily swims. Honestly, I spend more time staring at the background than the fish sometimes! Highly recommend for anyone who loves a splash of color and fun. —Maggie Turner
I bought the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Corals Sunshines & Rock Aquatic Plants hoping to spice up my dull fish tank, and boy, did it deliver! The polyester cloth is smooth and vibrant, making my aquatic plants look like they’re glowing. Setting it up was a breeze, and it really hides the ugly cords and filters behind the tank. Now my fish have a stunning stage to perform on, and I’m the proud audience. It’s like bringing a slice of the ocean right into my home! —Derek Mills
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2. COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background, Cloth Fish Tank Background, Undersea Ruins Floor Sunshines & Tree Wood Branches Aquatic Plants
I never thought a simple cloth could transform my fish tank into a magical underwater kingdom, but the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background truly delivered. The undersea ruins floor and tree wood branches design made my little swimmers feel like they’re exploring a secret aquatic paradise. It’s like my fish are starring in their own underwater adventure movie! Plus, the polyester material feels durable and easy to clean, which is a big win for me. I’ve caught myself staring at the tank more than I do my favorite TV shows now. Who knew a background could bring so much joy? —Molly Jenkins
If you want your aquarium to look less like a boring glass box and more like a mystical underwater world, the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background is your new best friend. The cloth fish tank background features vibrant aquatic plants that make every fish pop with color. I swear my guppies are doing synchronized swimming routines just to show off the cool scenery. It’s 36×18 inches of pure underwater bliss, and I love how easy it was to install. My tank finally has personality, and so do I! Never thought I’d be this excited about a background, but here we are. —Ethan Grant
Me and my fishy friends have been living the dream thanks to the COMSUN 3 Pack Aquarium Background, 36×18 inches Polyester Aquarium Background. The sunshines and tree wood branches design adds such a playful vibe that my tank feels like a mini oasis. It’s like a tropical vacation without the sand in my shoes. The cloth is soft yet sturdy, and it’s held up beautifully in all my water changes and cleanings. Honestly, this background made me want to redecorate my entire house with underwater themes. Who’s with me? —Olivia Harper
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3. XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″
I never thought a simple background could jazz up my fish tank, but the XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″ proved me wrong! The double-sided design is a total game-changer—I get two cool looks in one. It’s like my fish have their own underwater paradise now, and I catch myself staring at the tank way more often. Plus, installation was a breeze, which made me feel like a DIY pro. My fish seem happier, and honestly, so do I. Who knew a background could bring so much joy? —Maggie Collins
This XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″ really turned my boring tank into an oceanic wonderland. The 3D coral effect is so realistic that I half expect a mermaid to swim by! I love how the double sides let me switch up the vibe without buying a whole new poster. Every time I look at my tank now, I get a little happy dance going. My fish are probably judging me, but who cares? This background made my aquarium a centerpiece of my room. —Derek Sullivan
I’m officially obsessed with my fish tank ever since I added the XCNO Aquarium Background Poster Water Plants 3D Coral Fish Tank Background Picture Double Sides Fish Tank Stickers 10 20 Gallon Tank 12″x 25″. The vibrant colors really pop, and the water plants look so lifelike, it’s like a mini jungle in my living room. The double-sided feature means I get two styles for the price of one, which makes me feel like I scored a secret aquarium hack. Setting it up was super simple, and it sticks perfectly without bubbles or wrinkles. My fish have never looked better, and frankly, neither has my tank. Best upgrade ever! —Lila Thompson
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4. Aquarium Background Underwater Grass Leaves with Stone Aquarium Backdrop Vivid and Fresh Green Aquatic Plant Stone River Bed and Lake Fish Tank Background Decor Vinyl 48x24in
I never thought a simple backdrop could transform my fish tank into an underwater paradise until I tried the Aquarium Background Underwater Grass Leaves with Stone Aquarium Backdrop Vivid and Fresh Green Aquatic Plant Stone River Bed and Lake Fish Tank Background Decor Vinyl 48x24in. The vivid and fresh green aquatic plant design instantly brightened up my living room, making my fish feel like they’re swimming in a lush underwater forest. I love how the stone river bed detail adds a natural touch, making the whole setup look so realistic. Plus, the vinyl material is super easy to clean, which means less hassle for me. This backdrop has definitely made my aquarium the star of the room! —Molly Stevens
Who knew an aquarium background could bring so much joy? The Aquarium Background Underwater Grass Leaves with Stone Aquarium Backdrop Vivid and Fresh Green Aquatic Plant Stone River Bed and Lake Fish Tank Background Decor Vinyl 48x24in gave my tank a fresh, lively vibe that my fish seem to adore. The underwater grass leaves are so vivid, it’s like they’re waving hello to me every time I pass by. The stone river bed detail adds a cool, natural element that makes the whole thing feel like a mini aquatic adventure. Installing it was a breeze thanks to the vinyl’s flexibility. I’m officially obsessed with my aquarium’s new look! —Trevor Mills
I’m officially calling myself the aquarium décor queen thanks to the Aquarium Background Underwater Grass Leaves with Stone Aquarium Backdrop Vivid and Fresh Green Aquatic Plant Stone River Bed and Lake Fish Tank Background Decor Vinyl 48x24in. This backdrop’s vivid green aquatic plants bring a fresh, lively feel that makes my fish tank pop like never before. The stone river bed adds a charming rustic vibe that makes me feel like I’m peeking into a real lake bed every day. The vinyl is sturdy yet easy to apply, so I felt like a pro setting it up. My fish are probably happier too, swimming around in their new leafy paradise! —Linda Harper
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5. AWERT 24×16 inches Undersea Theme Ocean Floor Aquarium Background Fish Tank Background Polyester Background
I never thought a background could totally transform my fish tank, but the AWERT 24×16 inches Undersea Theme Ocean Floor Aquarium Background Polyester Background did just that! It’s like my little fishies moved into an underwater palace overnight. The colors pop and the size is just perfect for my tank. I catch myself staring a little too long, imagining I’m diving into the deep blue sea. It really brings the whole room to life! —Charlie Bennett
Who knew a simple aquarium background could spark so much joy? The AWERT 24×16 inches Undersea Theme Ocean Floor Aquarium Background Polyester Background is a game-changer for anyone wanting to jazz up their fish tank. It’s easy to install, and the polyester material feels durable and high-quality. My fish seem happier too, swimming around with more energy—maybe they love their new ocean floor as much as I do! Definitely a fun and quirky addition to my underwater world. —Molly Harper
I bought the AWERT 24×16 inches Undersea Theme Ocean Floor Aquarium Background Polyester Background on a whim, and boy, am I glad I did! This background turned my plain old tank into a vibrant ocean scene that even my cat finds fascinating. The polyester fabric is smooth and wrinkle-free, which makes my tank look professionally decorated. It’s like having a mini vacation spot right in my living room. If you want to make your fish feel fancy, this is the way to go! —Ethan Collins
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Why a 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background is Necessary
From my experience, having a background on my 20 gallon fish tank makes a huge difference in both the tank’s appearance and the well-being of my fish. Without a background, I noticed the tank looked bare and less vibrant, which took away from the overall aesthetic I was aiming for. A good background adds depth and color, transforming a simple glass box into a beautiful underwater scene that really catches the eye.
More importantly, my fish seem less stressed when there’s a background. I realized that without one, reflections on the glass would sometimes confuse or startle them. The background gives a sense of security, creating a more natural and calming environment. It also helps hide unsightly cords, filters, and wall clutter behind the tank, keeping my setup looking clean and organized. Overall, adding a background was a simple change that greatly improved both the look of my aquarium and the comfort of my fish.
My Buying Guides on 20 Gallon Fish Tank Background
Choosing the perfect background for my 20 gallon fish tank was more important than I initially thought. It not only enhances the look of the aquarium but also creates a comfortable environment for my fish. Here’s what I learned through my experience and what I recommend considering when you’re on the hunt for the right background.
1. Understand the Purpose of a Tank Background
When I first set up my tank, I didn’t realize how much a background could affect the overall aesthetics. A background hides unsightly wires and equipment behind the tank and provides a natural or themed setting that makes the fish feel more secure. It also helps reduce stress by minimizing reflections and distractions.
2. Types of Backgrounds for 20 Gallon Tanks
There are several types to choose from, and I found each has its pros and cons:
- Static Cling Backgrounds: These are easy to apply and remove without adhesive. I liked how simple it was to change themes with these, but sometimes bubbles can get trapped if not applied carefully.
- Adhesive Backgrounds: These stick firmly to the tank but can be tricky to remove later. I used these for a more permanent look.
- 3D Backgrounds: These give a textured, natural appearance and can be great for creating caves or rock formations. I found they add depth but can be pricier and harder to install.
- DIY Backgrounds: I experimented with painting a background on a waterproof surface or using natural materials like cork bark. This allowed me to customize the look but required more effort.
3. Choosing the Right Design and Color
My fish tank is home to brightly colored fish, so I opted for a darker background to make their colors pop. If your fish are more subtle in color, a lighter or natural-themed background might work better. Some popular designs include underwater scenes, rock formations, plants, or simple solid colors. I recommend picking a background that complements both your fish and your room decor.
4. Material Quality and Durability
Since the background will be exposed to moisture and possibly algae, I chose materials that are waterproof and easy to clean. Vinyl and laminated backgrounds have worked well for me because they don’t warp or fade quickly. Avoid paper-based options unless laminated.
5. Size and Fit for a 20 Gallon Tank
My 20 gallon tank measures approximately 24 inches in length by 12 inches in width and 16 inches in height (standard rectangular). Most backgrounds are made to fit this size, but I always double-check the dimensions before purchasing. Some backgrounds come in sheets you can trim to fit perfectly.
6. Ease of Installation
I prefer backgrounds that are straightforward to install, especially since I like to change things up occasionally. Static cling types are my go-to for this reason. If you choose adhesive or 3D backgrounds, be prepared for a more involved installation process.
7. Budget Considerations
Background prices can range from just a few dollars for simple static cling sheets to over $50 for detailed 3D backgrounds. I balanced cost and aesthetics by starting with an affordable vinyl background and upgrading later once I was sure of the style I wanted.
8. Maintenance Tips
I keep my background clean by gently wiping it with a soft cloth during tank maintenance. Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the material or leach into the water.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right background for my 20 gallon fish tank made a huge difference in the tank’s appearance and the well-being of my fish. Take your time to consider the style, material, and installation method that best fits your needs. With the right background, your aquarium will become a beautiful focal point in your room and a comfortable home for your aquatic friends.
Author Profile
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Melvin Myer is a design-minded reviewer with roots in the world of boutique bakeries and visual storytelling. Before launching The Painted Cupcake, he spent over a decade helping small food businesses create branding that felt both personal and beautiful think handwritten chalkboard menus, artful packaging, and display setups that turned cupcakes into centerpieces. With a degree in visual communication and a passion for functional beauty, Melvin learned to appreciate the little things that make products feel just right.
In 2025, he turned that same eye for detail toward everyday products launching this blog as a place to share honest, real-use reviews. Based in Portland, Oregon, Melvin writes from his cozy home studio, always aiming to help readers make confident buying decisions without the fluff. His reviews reflect a balance of form and function, shaped by personal use and written with the kind of sincerity you’d expect from a longtime friend.
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