Substrate Color

black creates a very nice contrast with the fish and plants, however it gets appears more dirty than a lighter colored substrate

Very light and very dark substrates both have problems IME. Very light will wash out fish colors (they do respond to their surroundings). Very dark, especially uniform dark as with black, will show debris and waste quite clearly.

So IME (and part of this is aesthetics, so personal choice), the "best" substrates are non-uniform in color - different particles are different shades - and darkish "natural" tones - beiges and browns.

My favorites aestheitically are Estes' "Bits of Walnut" or "Walnut" - both dark browns, or Seachem's "Flourite" - a mix mostly of reds and black.

All IMHO, YMMV.

Black does bring out the color in everything in the tank: fish, plants, decorations, waste, and debris. I just make sure I stay on top of my cleanings and I never see anything.

IF you want black, get black.
I use mostly brown or red flint stone for my tanks. I buy the small grain stuff which is pretty nice, I use it for all my tanks. So I am pretty close to RTR on this. Fish tend to match the tones of the substrate in the tanks. I have a sandy bottom in one of my Het tanks and the fish tend to be a lighter color while in one of the larger tanks, i have a redish color and they are a more darker color.
But like I stated before, its up to you and what you like, I prefer natural colors and I stick with them.



jim

FuzMugly, do you, or will you ever use "live plants?"

If you plan on "live" plants, go with Flourite or Onyx Sand from SeaChem. These products help plants grow. Both are dark in color...

I've got an almost natural brown color in my 55. It's actually a mixture of browns. The color was actually called natural at the time of purchase (some 8-10 yrs ago). I just put a mixture of approx 20% white 80% black mix in my son's six gal. It turned out pretty well. Can't say much about waste showing up as I have only had fish in it almost a week, but it shows off the red Betta and Emerald Cories well.
Like evryone else said, it's your choice, a matter of taste. I have had both. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. I would say though that I like a little mixture even if it's subtle tones of the same color...Variety is the spice of life.

Like evryone else said, it's your choice, a matter of taste.

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I'd try and get some kind of idea what fish I would be housing if color choice was going to be aesthetic as opposed to functional i.e. Flourite/Onyx Sand.

Years ago when my Dad set up his third fish shop I had the opportunity to "furnish" 108 15 gallon tanks (three rows of 36) with whatever color schemes I chose. This was back when we used "Crystal Craze" paint on the backs of tanks (crackled as it dried).
I did black on black tanks, white on white, and every conceivable color combination you can think of- pinks, blues, purples, green, naturals, chick grit substrate, gravel, sand, and pebbles. Hey- I was maybe 14-15 years old.

Obviously fish like Cardinals and silvery fish show up well on black. The black fish (Mollies, black Angels) showed up best against a baby blue or pink tank. Red swords show well against a dark purple, and I love blue fish against orange.
Course we were trying to showcase the many decorating options as well as help the fish show vibrant colors.

Now I'm older and have better taste so I prefer a more natural look. River rock colored gravel shows many popular fish off really well and doesn't blast you with color. It goes especially well with live plants, and it is easy to find matching rocks and wood.

My own planted tank has Onyx Sand w/black background and I am very happy with the look. It is dark enough to show up the fish and keep them secure and light enough that gunk doesn't stand out like a sore thumb- not that I have gunk, but....

Whatever you do slap a background on it.
I can't abide tanks with wires and HOT filters visible from the front- just looks cheesy.