Substrate

[gambs]

I have a 55 African tank with black sand. The color in the tank is very dull and dark. The fish colors are non existent except for my electric labs. Would I be better off changing to a lighter color sand? I've been thinking of the white or just getting regular PFS. Could this just be an issue with my lighting? I have 2 24'' basic single bulb lights. If i upgrade to a t5 double bulb or quad, would that do the trick?

[Ballinxalex]

I would deff upgrade to Pfs sand and get t5s for it

[gambs]

Its blasting sand. Very similar to PFS. You think the lighter sand would show color better?

[Ballinxalex]

Yup

[armthehomeless]

What type of fish are your other Africans?

[BeefyG]

I think adding a background would help a lot. I personally prefer black but a royal blue would lighten up your tank. Lighter color sands and lighter color backgrounds tend to reflect more light so it helps your tank seem brighter. A black background would make your fish stand out more. Either way, seeing the window and the cords kinda distracts from whats in the tank.

[gambs]

Just demosani, labs, 1acei, and
2 others. Not quite sure what they are. Looking to maybe add some peacocks.

Sent from my SGH-T999 using Tapatalk now Free

[troy tucker]

I don't think the lights are the prob.. Beefy is right about the back ground. Mostly it will stop you from having more light from the window then the lights onthe tank. I know right now everyones saying.(but you don't have back grounds) Truth is I do have them for some. I use black cloth. It looks good and can be removed with out scraching.
I think more holly rock. About 5 more peases. With a back ground. Will be enough to make it look brighter.

[rmalford]

If you want bright I wouldn't beat around the bush on this one. Look into different lighting. Try and get familiar with aquaria lighting. Color temperature plays a big role when you're trying to bring out your fish colors.

[supadave]

I would go with a combination of both the substrate and the background . I would change the substrate to PFS and add a black or blue background . I think your lighting is fine . If you make these changes you will see a dramatic difference .

[gambs]

Substrate changed

Ok, changing substrate is a *****. Took out all the black sand did a water change and added the PFS along with adding a blue background. I was concerned about the color being so brown but I really like it. My tank is now much brighter so looking forward to what it looks like when it is not cloudy. Will be adding some large pieces of holey rock on both the left and right sides with the large Malawi wood piece in the middle. Rule of 3? Any thought or opinions?

[Crazyforpeacocks]

Should check into this stuff it will make your tank pop

http://www.houstonfishbox.com/vforums/showthread.php?61009-Whiteblast-glass-sand