There are several types on the market and of various density. These styrofoam background are not to be confused with the pre fabricated fibreglass models.
Often, the cheaper and unbranded ones leave a layer of oil on your water. In fact, when you touch it, you can feel it's oily already. As most of these products are made in countries where specifications varies, there is no strict quality control. Very often, you do not know if the paint used on them are toxic free. If they are indeed toxic, your fishes and plants will suffer over long periods of exposure.
Instant background are nice to have, but if you have a bad case of algae problem, they can become a nightmare. In a planted tank with background plants, most of the time, the background is almost totally covered in a matter of weeks. It might be better to consider black oyama paper that is stuck at the back of the glass tank instead.
Having said the above, I am using Juwel Aquarium's black styrofoam background from Germany. They seem fine so far.
Cheers,
I have dwarf cichlids in my tanks! Do you?
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