The Right Lighting for Africans

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GobyGuy5

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Nov 28, 2002
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I'm about to setup a new Tang. setup and had some questions concerning lighting. I've heard much conflicting advice about what lighting best shows the fishes brilliant colors. I've heard that actinic bulbs enhance the fishes colors, but to use these I'd have to balance it out with more white, meaning at least a two bulb striplight, and therefore, lots of algae. I'm also hearing the more traditional view that I should just get a single tube striplight for more subdued lighting. I'm clueless as to which path would be best for my setup, any advice on this would be appreciated! :)

Notes: My gravel will be dark, and there won't be any herbivorous chiclids in this tank...
 
How big is your tank? I have a 80 gallon tank with 2x 48" Triton bulbs on it. No problem with algea at all. Also what fish are you keeping? I know Frontosa's feel the most comfortable with just the amount of daylight your room provides but that is probably not pleasing to you.
 
This endeavor is still in the planning stages, but I plan on getting a 30 gallon tank, (36"X12"X16")

The proposted initial stocking list is:

- 1 Julidochromis Transcriptus
- 1 Neolamprologus leleupi
- 1 Neolamprologus Brichardi
- 1 Chalinochromis Brichardi
- 1 Synodontis Petricola

I'm thinking I may get a few Brichardis, let a pair form, and get rid of the unlucky constestant(s), but I'm not positive I will yet.
 
That mix sounds fine but I would stay away from a pair of Brichardi's since they will overrun your tank in no time and probably kill or harrass your other fish to death.
 
I have that same size tank, it has 20 W on it and it looks like more light than my 10 gallon with 35 sometimes. It's weird. If you unsatisified with that light that comes with the tank (unless you are buying it alone) then I would suggest a kit with 2 x 36 inch bulbs (30 watts each, full spectrum)

Aaron
 
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