X-rays Washed Out

[rutts]

I have six X-Ray tetras (Golden Pristella). Their coulouring is great with thr tank light off because as well as their yellow and black stripes their tails go a lovely red colour.
However when the light is turned on the red colour washes out.
I spoke to my local LFS and they said that the fluorescent tube i was sold with the tank is a bog standard tube. he qwent on to say that i should buy a tube with a different spectrum to enhance the colour not wash it out. Is he right? Is that the way to go?
The cardinals i have in the tank are fine.

 

[annka5]

The colour of light will make a huge difference to the appearance of fish - as a very extreme example, think about what colours cars look like in daylight compared to under orange street lights.
The intensity of light can also make a difference. If the light is too bright it may be stressing your fish causing them to become paler. Some floating plants or dimmer lighting can help this. How long have they been in the tank for? it might be that if you leave them a week or so to settle then the light will stress them less.

 

[chishnfips]

I have noticed that with my xrays.

The day light bulb that I have doesn't bring out their colours aswell as my moonlight bulb. The moonlight bulb is like a dull blue-ish light.

 

[rutts]

The colour of light will make a huge difference to the appearance of fish - as a very extreme example, think about what colours cars look like in daylight compared to under orange street lights.
The intensity of light can also make a difference. If the light is too bright it may be stressing your fish causing them to become paler. Some floating plants or dimmer lighting can help this. How long have they been in the tank for? it might be that if you leave them a week or so to settle then the light will stress them less.

The X-Rays are my oldest fish. They have been in the tank a few months. They don't seem stressed. A a matter of a fact since i added the cardinals they couldn't look happier. Looks like it's a different builb then.