Hi all,

Okay - I've got a 4 ft, 240 litre tank. It's got 2 x 36" "normal" T8 bulbs in it. By normal I mean these are the ones that came with the tank!

My tank has a number of Discus - a Blue Diamon, 2 Turks, and a few reddish/orangey Pidgeon Bloods. The tank has mostly bog wood in it, a few artificial plants, and one small live plant.

I've been told by a number of people that getting different bulbs will really enhance the colouring of the Discus. But what should I look to get? E.g I've seen Moonlight Blue T8's, Aqua Glo, etc, etc. I don't want to do anything that will upset the Discus, but is there anything I can get that will enhance their appearance through lighting, without unsettling them?

This might be a very dumb question - but I just need to ask. Most of the other articles on here are for Marine set-ups. Maybe how you light a Tropical/Freshwater tank doesn't really affect the fish - does it?

Thanks!

Robert,
I'm not especially well versed with lighting knowledge but can tell you that tubes with red enhancers - like the good old-fashioned (nowadays!) Gro-Lux will enhance the red colouration in your pigeon blood fish and whatever others have any red in them, but that is purely a colour-enhancement. My guess is that you are looking for some lighting which will actually cause the fish to be brighter as opposed to just look more colourful.
To my knowledge this isn't possible, but I'm open to correction.

John :roll:

Wasn't sure myself John. I've met people who have told me changing the lighting enhances the colouring - but what they mean I wasn't sure. Thought one of you could enlighten me...
(Couldn't resist that )

Thought one of you could enlighten me...

Ouch!!! hock:

As a post script...
I think Holger fitted his blue LEDs to enhance the blue colouring of his Discus, perhaps he can advise you more.

John :roll:

I don't know if I've been clear on the question here having re-read the post. My question is around whether

1)the lighting will only affect how I will see the fish based on the reflection of colour (e.g. A Blue Light will reflect Blue colouring more, a Red Light will reflect Red colouring more, etc). This is more down to Physics than anything else I guess...

2) The fish will react in some way to different lighting and actually colour up more or less under certain lights.

I have a feeling the answer to this is Answer 1, above, but just want to check. If this is correct, I guess my next question is what combination of lighting do you guess recommend to get the best display affect if you've got a combination of Blue and Red/Orange fish?

Thanks again!

Lighting Discus should be done with thought!! Discus like subdued lighting this makes them feel at ease. if you have strong lighting they can get a bit spooky. also they like to blend into the background which is also important to them. The use of overhead plants will also benefit . remember they are shy & retiring fish and like to feel secure in there enviroment. only then will you see the true colours. why go for artificial looks.
Breeding is a different matter.

Lighting Discus should be done with thought!! Discus like subdued lighting this makes them feel at ease. if you have strong lighting they can get a bit spooky. also they like to blend into the background which is also important to them. The use of overhead plants will also benefit . remember they are shy & retiring fish and like to feel secure in there enviroment. only then will you see the true colours. why go for artificial looks.
Breeding is a different matter.
Hi Russell,

It's be really great to get a snap of your entire Tank set up. I've seen plenty of pics of yours with close-ups of your tank and your tank set up - but I don't think I've seen one yet with it from a distance to see the tank arrangements and see the lighting.

Do you have one that you could post - if it's not too much hassle?

Thanks a million!

This is about 2 months ago before I had the Tefe's. since then it has changed a lot. will post an update soon' style='max-width:405px; ' />

@ Russell,
hope you got rid of those bluegreen algae I seem to make out on the back of the tank

@Robert,

I agree with Russell, subdued lightning and a couple of floating plants will do wonders for you. Some people also use black sand (not glass!!!!). Use warmlight tubes. Run off the mill from any electrical supplier if they fit those Jewel fittings which I doubt. I replaced the lightning unit on my old Jewel 300. The costs can be neglected since a double starter unit will set you back about 45€ or two of those bulbs that fit Jewel tanks. The bit of timber you need will to built a new hood costs you around 20€. But in future you will be able to use bulbs that cost about 4€ each. amssive savings over the years.
John, mentioned that I fitted blue LED to the tank. This is not to enhance the blue colour in my fish but only serves as a moonlight effect for two hours after the main lights go off. Looks pretty cool. I wouldn't have installed it but my wife like the looks of it.

So not the be outdone by Russell, Holger - are you going to post any pics of your tanks in any of these forums???

:twisted: