Lighting for growing out african cichlid colors?

[joecoulson]

I have three 10K NO (21 watts each) and one Actinic (same wattage) in my 65 and the colors show nicely. I grow the algae on my rocks to supplement food with the additional light. See my album for pix

 

[thunderridge127]

If your substrate is very light in color I find that a dark background will help highlight the coloring of your fish. A solid black or a dark blue will work well. As far as lighting goes I like the 50/50 bulbs with a blue Atinic combination. I find that about 90 percent of africans have some blue coloration in them. This is my favorite lighting for African Cichlids. However if you are using crushed coral or pure white sand this might be too bright or glary.