Ive been led to believe by by a few long term hobbiests that darker background and substrate will not only create more contrast against colorful cichlids but also increase the cichlids coloration. I have found contrasting opinions in some threads here on mfk were it was claimed cichlids would become lighter increasing coloration in lighter substrate. I personally have no substrate in some tanks and dark in others. My fish look great but was ibnterested in this topic, i am currently modifying a 155 bowfront with a 3d background and am on the fence about black or natural color sand, as i would always take advantage of a way to improve coloration. Any opinions and expierience welcome on this topic and please feel free to post some pics.
Light vs. Dark Substrate, and the Effect on Cichlid Coloration
- Thread starter 00rollins
- Start date
I was going black, bad picsc, home made mod to 3D bg but may change
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also depends on decor and lighting combination. but i prefer dark background and white sand with good lightning. looks more natural. with no backgrounds ill go with black/dark substrate. but with a background white def looks nicer in my opinion.
Thats how ive been feeling latley and i wanna get it right before i put my fish in. I made it black because I was under the impression blk substrate made the fish display more color,
I was gonna put java fern, moss, and some other low maint plants on the driftwood. And I have 2 36" daul t5 lights but want to get the best look and was considering leds,
PFS i feel is a good size grain,not too small,natural looking.if you mix in some pea size gravel,you could change the overall shade,making it darker
Hello; The working theory on fish coloration with regard to light and dark substrate, as i have understood it, is that fish have darker coloration over a dark substrate due to predation. A predator looking down in the water would pick out a light colored fish over a dark bottom easier than a darker colored fish that matched the bottom shade better.
I have kept fish in quarantine tanks with no substrate and had them develope deeper colors when placed in a tank with a dark bottom. Having good cover also helps.
I have kept fish in quarantine tanks with no substrate and had them develope deeper colors when placed in a tank with a dark bottom. Having good cover also helps.