Lighting

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Romona

Romona

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jan 25, 2018
166
36
36
What is the best kind of lights for a 75g African cichlid tank?
 
Some type of LED light bar, the width of your tank would be my suggestion. Tons of options there in a wide price range. I've got some ~$140 48" name brand (Current Satellite) and some no names that were $30 shipped from eBay. Like them all.
 
There are so many options. I use the Fluval Aquasky. It's a quality mid level, reasonably priced LED. Numerous daylight and lunar light settings.
 
Finnex vivd+ all purpose color enhancing aquarium led....the colors really pop and they make a 48inch fixture. I am happy with the Beamswork DA FSPEC that I just got...it reminds me of the vivid+.

I have owned several gimmicky lights like the Current Satellite freshwater LED+ and the finnex planted +24/7 automated and I always had problems with these whether it was loud buzzing from the LED's after and extended time...or weird flashing. Just go with on/off lights instead of the the gimmicky lights. I have owned 2 of each of these fixtures and the novelty wears off quick...just my 2 cents. I am sure others love them.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Romona
Lighting is very personal & subjective, it really depends what you like. I prefer lights that don't run end to end (i.e. 4ft lights on 6ft tanks) to add some shadows at each end. I also prefer to keep my tanks fairly dim, and only run a single daytime LED tube near the front of the tank. It adds some depth to the tank, or the illusion of depth. Others might find my tanks too dark, again, it boils down to what you personally prefer. https://www.aqueon.com/products/lighting/led-modular-aquarium-light-fixtures
 
Personally I like the marine spectrum LEDs on cichlid tanks. Something line 12k white with actinic mixed in and maybe even an 4' extra actinic strip up front for extra color pop. I too also like a 4' light bar on a 6' tank :)
 
20180220_195028.jpg
Top, 6500k 48 single 30 watt flouresent tube. Minimal algea growth.

Bottom full spectrum, 50% acentic. 180 watts of Leds. Algea kept in check with about 30 hungry mbuna. Then only on full power about 2 hrs a day.
 
Love your fish! How big is your tank and how many fish do you have in it?
 
75 gallon, 48 x 18 x 18

14 in the top.
About 30 in the bottom

Each tank has a sump, and an extra 55 gallon supply.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Romona
You must log in or register to reply here.
MonsterFishKeepers.com
Top Bottom