Mirrored Tank

saltaddict · 09-08-2008, 10:38 AM

Hi - I am new to this site!!
I have been in the hobby for 6 years. I have 120g acrylic reef, (wonderful tank), and I bought a used 75g several months ago for fish and live rock only.
Just noticed that the 75 is mirrored on the inside and it doesn't appear that the fish can see out. I am not sure what this does to the fish?
Does anyone know?
Thanks,
Rhonda

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-08-2008, 12:28 PM

I would not use a mirror for the inside of a tank. The fish will never settle because they will think there is a threat constantly around. Certain times of the day, or when I cleaned the tank glass really well, the anthias can see their reflection in the glass and she goes nuts flashing until the lights go out. A daily dose of that and they'll be stressed in no time.

saltaddict · 09-08-2008, 12:43 PM

I didn't realize when I bought the tank that it was made this way. Then back is black but the two sides and front are mirrored from the inside!! Its driving me crazy.
Thanks for your reply.
Rhonda

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-08-2008, 12:59 PM

WHA? I misread that!! It's a one way mirror that you can see in through but they can't see out!

saltaddict · 09-08-2008, 03:48 PM

Yes, that is what it appears!! If I look in from the top of the tank out through the front glass as they would be seeing, you can't see anything except the reflection of what is inside the tank. I have never seen a tank like this and didn't even notice it until last night when I was talking to my new little puffer and he didn't seem to notice I was there. With my acrylic - certain animals hide when you get up in front of the tank or they swarm for food because they know it is feeding time - that does not happen here. I am up in arms about what to do. I hate to put him in a 12 gallon QT while I tear this tank down and purchase another one but that seems to be the only option.
Thanks,
Rhonda

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-08-2008, 07:47 PM

Rhonda, I don't even know what do tell ya. I've never read about one of those tanks in all my years of hanging out on forums. Cerainly never saw one IRL. I would take it down. I like my fish to interect with me.

PhotoJohn · 09-08-2008, 09:11 PM

How are the fish? if they seem fine i wouldnt worry about it

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-08-2008, 09:36 PM

What fish do you have in there? Are they ones that would naturally fight with their own kind?

**CarmieJo** · 09-08-2008, 09:42 PM

Hi Rhonda and

to TR. I have never seen a tank like that before either. Does the puffer seem stressed out about it?

rayme07 · 09-08-2008, 09:57 PM

Hi Rhonda and welcome to TR. Thats weird I haven't seen one of those in decades ever sense I was about 8 i used to have one but I used it in fresh water and the fish wernt stressed they were fine but it could be different with your fish. I would suggest to watch them to see their behaviors if they are different than normal then I would take them out if not keep them in. Hope this helps
Raymond

saltaddict · 09-09-2008, 12:06 AM

The only fish a a very small puffer. He seems fine and he is eating great. I am just one of those obsessed persons that worry about the babies in the tank. I have done everything short of putting my head under the water to look out.
I will watch him and if he seems to stress then he will get a new tank.
Everyone can always use a new tank!!--
Thanks to everyone for replies!!
Rhonda

**Seahorsedreams** · 09-09-2008, 12:10 AM

I'm trying to picture what it would be like for my fish to not interact with me.... kindda weird.

bbl_nk · 09-10-2008, 06:55 PM

Did you notice this when it was empty and setting it up? I have noticed the glass tanks tend to look "mirrored" depending on your angle of viewing. For example as I type this, if I look over at my tank my side appears mirrored as I get a good reflection of the back of the tank. If I go up close, it looks mirrored but if I put my hand up and press, looking across the 90 deg corner, I can barely see my hand. I can look right through the tank and see fine. I did a little test and stuck a glass jar in there and I could see out the glass just fine.

I'm sure its just an optical illusion you see in the tank from the water and distortion of the glass. From the fishes perspective I'm sure they can see out just fine. You could always stick your head under the water to test it out for certain, but don't think your fish would like that