Lighting

[brianriv]

I have a 50g tank. The lighting is very low. I would like to get new lights that really bring out the color of the fish. I don't know if I just need to go higher watts or some type of lighting. Eventually I would like to add real plants but that is secondary to bringing out the color of the fish. I have guppies, clown loaches, bristle nose pleco. Thanks

 

[fraservet]

What size and how many tubes due you have?
It may be possible to add more.
Also install reflectors if you don't already have them.

Look for tubes that enhance the colour of fish.
e.g. arcadia original tropical

most of these tubes are normal output and so don't make the tank look really bright

high output tubes e.g. powerglo, will make the tank look brighter, but won't enhance reflective pigments so much.

positioning the lights towards the front of the tank, making sure any cover glass is clean and having a dark background/substrate will also help