Well when they are young I know the clean will not help with them being skittish. Plus their colors will be kind of faint. I never had a white background so I can’t help you with that one. I can imagine it give same problems as a clear background. I’ve always did a dark color like blue or black. I also would just go to the pet store and get one of the background they have on the rolls. Make sure that you get it long enough to cover the sides. The only way to view in the tank is from the front view.