Marina Background Solution, 1-Ounce

I bought this product to install vinyl on the back of two aquariums. It works very well and was super easy to use. I simply cut the vinyl to size, rubbed (I just rubbed it on with my fingers as the product is non toxic) this product on the aquarium and laid the vinyl on top of it. The key to success with this product is to slowly rub out all the excess liquid. I used a credit card and started from the center and worked my way out. There are zero bubbles, and so far the vinyl has stayed in place for 3 weeks (I will update my review if it doesn't hold up, but doubt I will need to). I used this for a 75 gallon and 10 gallon tanks and still had a little bit of adhesion left over.

After reading everyone's comments and the directions, I went a different route. I taped the background and trimmed it to my 38 gallon tank and left it overnight. This really helped so that it wouldn't keep trying to roll up on me when using the solution. Then I removed the tape from half the tank and smeared the solution on the tank itself. I used my shower squeegee to smooth the background onto the tank and then did the other side the same way. I only had 2 small bubbles at the top, in the middle, when I was done that were easily removed by the sgueegee. My tank measures 36" x 20" x 12" and I only used a little more than half the bottle of the solution. I was prepared for this to be a tedius and aggravating experience with what I've read and from people telling me the air bubbles are ridiculous. It probably took less than 10 minutes to do. What an EXTREME difference in the colors of the background. The corals now look so lifelike that I'm reconsidering the amount of coral rock I actually want to put into the tank. I've posted a pic so you can see how vibrant it is and I'm still filling the tank and do not even have the hood light on. I have read comments that this really isn't an adhesive but just makes the background vibrant so I still used the tape and will see how long this lasts.

Product was easy to use; I applied with fingers as it was easier to control and apply to Marina Aquarium Background. I laid my aquarium flat and then weighted the edges until the solution became tacky (it does not dry completely). Ultimately, I used 3/4" electrical tape to affix the left/right side of background to the tank frame as the edges kept curling.

This was quite a job to put my 4 foot background. Had to buy 4 of these bad boys for the whole job. After 4 months, the background started curling at the bottom. Now my background is being held down by tape. These things are expensive and it was a messy messy job! I am NOT looking forward to having to redo my background again!! I read online that mineral oil is nearly exactly the same as this product, but I have been procrastinating the job. If you buy this, make sure to secure your edges with tape as this is not a permanent solution! It does make the colors vibrant tho.

Not worth the money. I wouldn't call it an adhesive, it helps so that the background image looks more clear than if you just tape it. You still have to tape the background on because the solution will not hold the background in place. This would be great for a couple of dollers but for $10+ it should hold everything on like glue.

Picked up an inexpensive background from a local aquarium store. It looked OK taped on the back of my tank but I thought it should look better. I ordered the Marina Clear View Background solution to give it a try. Followed the directions, was a little more difficult since the tank was already established and was also a little messy, but the results are great! I used the entire contents of the Marina Clear View Background solution on my 65 gallon (24" x 36" background) tank background. Since the background came off a roll, I did add a little tape on the edges to keep it from curling up. It has been on there for approximately 2 months now with no bubbling or peeling. Overall the Marina Clear View Background solution worked great and the background looks awesome.

After reading the reviews I knew the secret is in proper prep.1. When I ordered the material, I put the backdrop sheet on a table, places a folded sheet over it and placed the aquarium on it to use the weight to straighten the sheet.2. when i was ready to glue it, i made sure to trim the excessive material from the sides to have a perfect cut.3. I laid down the aquarium on its side with back facing up. cleaned it from inside and outside and wiped it with clean paper towel.4. I dumped all the liquid on the glass, in the middle and then gently using the flat squeegy and spread it. Be gentle at the ends, but if it overflows it is ok. it can be removed later. Once it is evenly spread, wait for a minute.5. gently put the background on the glued surface. and using the squeegy remove all the bubbles. and excessive glue material will spill on the sides. dont worry,it is easily cleanable.6. using a flashlight view from inside the aquarium to make sure all bubbles are removed.7. leave in place for a few minutes and wipe off excess material from both the side.I hope these steps help you with your adventure. I love the way background looks now compared to when i used tape.

I read the reviews and took a chance on this. I thought that surely I wouldn't be fooled like the others. I did my research. I applied the oil as directed to a clean tank. I squeegeed out all the bubbles. I put tape all around the edges of the backing.It looked great! For about a week. At first I could squeegee out bubbles as they came. No idea how they kept coming but they did. Then the backing began to warp in places to the point that no squeegee could fix.It has been a few months. The aquarium looks awful and I dread having to replace the backing on a fully installed 75g setup.Maybe you know better than me. Maybe it will work for you. Maybe not.