Best lighting for AMERICAN CICHLIDS COLOURS

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Just went to a T8 Powerglo ..it makes my tank look like its new and the colores are really nice now
 
It is personal preference. Unfortunately for me, I had to buy a numerous mix of lighting until I found what I was looking for. For my Geo tank, I use a 48" Beamworks LED for Freshwater. They make the blues pop, which was what I was going for. For my Umbee's, I have a 36" Marineland Double Bright on a 60" tank. I love the subdued look while spotlighting the center of the tank. Exactly what I was looking for.

It's definitely personal preference. One guys washed out, would-be full spectrum is another guys limelight.

I will add however, that I refuse to pay full price on the LEDs. I got really good deals on last years Black Friday Sale and this years Cyber Monday sales. Nearly 50% off of retail.
 
In my experience.... bulbs dont bring out a fish's colors like the fish themselves do. That being said, there's a lot to it than just bulbs... make sure you get sand or gravel that will get them to adjust their own colors then get bulbs that will work with the colors the fish are displaying.
 
May be just me, but I found that their color showed more and looked "cleaner" when I hang the light 6-8" above the top of the tank. I just tied the whole thing to my canopy. The light is able to distribute more or something.

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If you are going to stick with the 48" T8 Then I would use one 10K and one 4500K the combination will give you a color spectrum that will pull from the red to the blue and the colors will pop without being too bright.
 
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