Lighting for African cichlids

[JAYBIRD1011]

I have 2 tanks. One with Frontosa and one with assorted malawi cichlids. I don't feel like my lights are showing them as well as it should be. The light on both are white and blue LED. Would full spectrum LED be better? And if so, where on the color wheel would be the best setting? My background is flat black on both and sand and crushed coral substrate. Assorted rocks for decoration.

 

[Ruturaj]

I have fluval aquasky lights, they have range of adjustability on phone.

 

[A201]

I also run a Fluval Aqua sky on my African tank. Plenty of settings to choose from.
IMO, subdued lighting brings out the best coloration in fish.

 

[twentyleagues]

Depends on the fish colors. For the fronts if they are the more typical blue white black I'd say something in a higher kelvin more twords the blue would be best say 10, 12, or 14k and as A201 said on the subdued side. As for the others if the fish have more colors like orange yellow reds a full spectrum with emphasis in the reds and blues. With those I don't know if you can just pick a generic setting and be happy you are going to have to play with it.

 

[JAYBIRD1011]

Thanks! I think I'll stick with the blue white combo for the frontosa. But the mixed tank, I'm ordering submersible full spectrum tubes.

 

[twentyleagues]

Thanks! I think I'll stick with the blue white combo for the frontosa. But the mixed tank, I'm ordering submersible full spectrum tubes.

Are the tubes adjustable? Imo those submersible ones are a waste of money unless you have a specific need or idea to use them for.
Depending on the fish I'd get a copy of your front light and add a monster ray or something like it for the warmer colors.

 

[JAYBIRD1011]

Are the tubes adjustable? Imo those submersible ones are a waste of money unless you have a specific need or idea to use them for.
Depending on the fish I'd get a copy of your front light and add a monster ray or something like it for the warmer colors.

I just thought they'd add more color without adding too much brightness. I hear they aren't very bright.

 

[twentyleagues]

I just thought they'd add more color without adding too much brightness. I hear they aren't very bright.

They are not very bright. I think most standard aquarium lighting will drown them out. I'm not saying don't try it, I just think for what you are looking for it'll be a waste.

 

[JAYBIRD1011]

They are not very bright. I think most standard aquarium lighting will drown them out. I'm not saying don't try it, I just think for what you are looking for it'll be a waste.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[The Masked Shadow]

FINWIN has great lights.