Hey Klaus, why are my Reds always looking dark and not so red. When I first turn on the tank lights, they look fairly normal. However not as red as I would prefer. In a short time, they go brown. Could it be the water?

Here is an example of both...

...red (taken in April)...


...and not so red (taken today)...

What are you feeding them?

NLS

Do you have a lot of dark colored stones in your tank? Is your substrate dark?

Yeah. That was my first observation for their lack of color. I have been raising Africans for a few years (twenty-some), and I think there may be a camo effect going on here. Perhaps if I replace some of the cool algae covered rock with some new lighter rock, they may show better colors.

You and I are on the same page. Thanks. :D

Well it is all about adaptation. They have lighter colors in the morning because like most fish, when they are asleep they turn pale. Once they are aware of their surroundings, their adaptation kicks in and you have yourself some dark fish!

Well Bobby, that is not such an easy question to answer.

The biggest influence on the appearance is their mood and the other is their surroundings. Food does not have such a big influence with Tropheus. However, I find that the water conditions make a big difference too. I do my water changes every Saturday morning and find that they look best the some day or the day after. The lighting you use makes a difference too but of course does not explain the change.

Here are pictures of some T. sp. "Cape Nundo" (Golden Chisanse) to demonstrate the difference in color on the same fish.







So don't worry, it's not your fault Cheers!!! Cheers!!!

I'm thinking I should do more frequent water changes now that they are bigger. I have been doing it every two weeks. I'll have to get into a weekly habit for them. I also plan on getting new rock that is not as dark. That may help too. In fact, looks like an aquascaping weekend. :D

Thanks for the info Klaus.

Klaus, what kind of lighting are you using in that tank?

I've been trying to find a red spectrum light around here to bring out the colour in the rams a bit, but haven't had any luck.

Those Chisanse look great!

And Bobby, I can see why you want them to look like the first pic! That is a really stunning Tropheus.

Be sure to post pics after you aquascaping escapade! How about a full tank shot? You are so great at the close ups but I rarely see you post tank shots!

Kim

Just regular "daylight" bulbs from my favorite "Home Depot" store.

I'm just too cheap to pay $20.00 and more for a light bulb Blush Blush