Effect of substrate color on fish

[JK47]

Have heard and read a few accounts from other members that they have went to dark or black sand/tank because it makes their fish's colors brighter. Do certain colors do better with darker colors? Opinions seem to conflict so I would like to hear from you guys.

Are there any members that have pics of before and after (the fish)? Lets see them. I'm scaping the 125g soon and need to decide a few things. (fish colors consist of red and blue mostly)

 

[JK47]

Really guys, not a single comment to share?

 

[Drew_H2o]

There's no before & after but her JDs look great and she said they've gotten better since changing the background to black. Doesn't say anything about the substrate though but I assume it would be similar.

 

[studd muffin]

all i know is that you cant have dark gravel or dark background for flower horns or else they fade.

 

[JK47]

No flowerhorns for me. Just colorful SA cichlids.

 

[studd muffin]

i dont think you will have problems.

 

[JK47]

i dont think you will have problems.

Have problems with what?

I am asking if others have kept the same fish dark then switched to light substrate or vice versa and if there was any effect to the coloration of the fish. Which was better etc... or if its a myth.

 

[studd muffin]

you wont have any problems with your fish's color changing.

 

[Dovii kid]

Ive noticed some of my fish are usually lighter colored when I have them in tanks with light sand and no background. I would be willing to bet that the black does darken their colors a little bit, but the main benefit is the contrast between the black background/substrate and the fish. This contrast makes their colors pop out at you.

 

[thepede]

probably not a color changing issue as i have tried to dispel the myth myself making background and substrate changes and comparing pictures...yes i do have a life...but it seems more of a security issue with fish to resemble their natural habitat, HOWEVER, the jury is still out on that as the third variable is what you put in the tank...from the pirate ship to hollow log to plants. all play a factor in security imo, not coloration.