Light Or Dark Substrate ?

[Faythee]

I am setting up a new 60 gallon to move my Tanganyikas to. I wanted to use black sand, black background, red lava rock, and some plants.

I thought the black would make the fish stand out better, but see some places that say it may make the fish dark in color. Others say they prefer the dark sand for these....so now I am confused. What is your experience ?

1 Frontosa
1 Brichardi
1 Rigani pair
1 Black Calvus

I would be adding more fish, but haven't decided what just yet.

 

[Forestpisces]

IMO dark substrate does make certain fish stand out more, especially showy fish such as bettas or intensely coloured fish. I would say the only fish that would look slightly dul against dark substrate would be dark black/browny dull coloured speciese which for the most part tanganikans are not. Your set-up sounds great and i'd love to see a pic if you go ahead

 

[Faythee]

Great ! I hope to have it picture ready by Monday and will be sharing

 

[betta989]

omg good idea goth though lol i like that kind of decor

 

[Faythee]

I went and bought the stuff today. Tahitian moon substrate and a couple rocks and some plants. $120 USD...geesh

My reasoning is because right now they have white sand/crushed coral and limestone rocks. They are covered in orange algae ! Driving me crazy. I'm thinking with the darker it will not look so bad. I just hope it isn't too dark.

Goth tank ? Maybe I should add some skeletons

 

[didz04]

I had black sand and the colours of my cichlids really stood out, but then i upgraded to a 4ft tank and thought to change my gravel to white sand and got the white silico sand which really looks like snow as it really fine.
There was a problem at the start with my pleco going to the toilet non-stop lol which you could see all over so i gave him in.
There was still crap about in the tank but after a while the tank started maturing and now the filter is handling it. I do see some now and then but no way not as bad as before.

 

[mp0033price]

Faythee.. Can't wait to see your dark substrate. This is what I want in our tank someday if I ever get brave enough (and rich: - ). LOL at the goth tank comment. You'll have to get your fish some piercings to go with the look.. I'm just kidding. I think the dark will look natural and sophisticated. Very excited for your makeover!