Caliban07
Aquarium Advice Addict
Which do you prefer? Which is better for the fish?
Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice
Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice
lighter colored substrates tend to wash out the fishes color, as fishliker mentions.
I also always make use of some type of background on the tank as that also affords the fish some security.
I just can't understand when folks have tanks sparsely decorated, all wide open and no backgrounds, makes me think those fish are in constant stress.
Most tropical fresh water fish and especially tetras enjoy heavily planted tanks with areas of darkness and plenty of caves or overhangs. when they have "secure" areas and lighting, they are more likely to carry on natural behaviors.
Take Ricky 1's tank above for example. While the fish look healthy and all looks well, I doubt very much if the angels would ever pair off and breed in the set-up, it's to "open" and lit up. Add a background, more plants and some shaded areas and the chances go up considerably.
No personal offense intended Ricky, just using your pic as an example.
Although I will say in the natural habitats that most of these fish live in, including yours Ricky, have lots of decaying plant matter and mud, the water is the color of tea and the bottom substrate is about as far from white sand as you could possibly get, so it really isn't "more natural" actually the opposite it the case.
I like black sand. It makes the colors pop on the fish. And I don't know if this is true, but I think some fish color up better with a dark color, their natural thing to blend in. For instance, I once had a bolivian ram that always stayed pale and at that time I had light colored sand. The only downside is its a little more difficult to vacuum the black because you can't see what's on it but, hey, it always looks nice. One of our mom and pop local stores has a big tank when you walk in, it has black sand and black backing, with lots of lights over it and the fish look great! When I got a new tank I tried both and it was too much black so I changed the backing to blue and I really like it.
Sent from my iPad using Aquarium Advice
Which do you prefer? Which is better for the fish?
Sent from my iPhone using Aquarium Advice
Well, I have a blue background, and 2 pairs that have laid 3 lots of eggs in this tank, angels need space as they get quite big as you know.......lighter colored substrates tend to wash out the fishes color, as fishliker mentions.
I also always make use of some type of background on the tank as that also affords the fish some security.
I just can't understand when folks have tanks sparsely decorated, all wide open and no backgrounds, makes me think those fish are in constant stress.
Most tropical fresh water fish and especially tetras enjoy heavily planted tanks with areas of darkness and plenty of caves or overhangs. when they have "secure" areas and lighting, they are more likely to carry on natural behaviors.
Take Ricky 1's tank above for example. While the fish look healthy and all looks well, I doubt very much if the angels would ever pair off and breed in the set-up, it's to "open" and lit up. Add a background, more plants and some shaded areas and the chances go up considerably.
No personal offense intended Ricky, just using your pic as an example.
Although I will say in the natural habitats that most of these fish live in, including yours Ricky, have lots of decaying plant matter and mud, the water is the color of tea and the bottom substrate is about as far from white sand as you could possibly get, so it really isn't "more natural" actually the opposite it the case.
Hello Cal...
Darker substrate will absorb more light and be warmer and the light substrate repels it, so it's cooler. That's the only difference. I doubt the fish will care either way. I like the lighter, polished gravel, I think it makes the tank brighter and with the dark green plants, gives a more noticeable contrast between the two.
Your call of course.
B
Hello Cal...
Darker substrate will absorb more light and be warmer and the light substrate repels it, so it's cooler. That's the only difference. I doubt the fish will care either way. I like the lighter, polished gravel, I think it makes the tank brighter and with the dark green plants, gives a more noticeable contrast between the two.
Your call of course.
B