color and lighting options for deep tanks

[matbox]

I've had my malawi tank up and running for about six months now - it's a custom setup, 4ft x 2ft x 4ft.

Now that I've got a bit more time and cash, I'm upgrading some of the features and I'd love some advice on lighting. I've currently got one 54w T5 bulb, 1047mm - nothing too fancy, and it's okay, but it's not really doing my fish justice in terms of colour.

The tank's pretty deep, and from what I've read, for deeper tanks, lights with a higher kelvin rating tend to penetrate the water better. I'm also thinking of getting a twin controller so I can combine a white and a blue bulb - or should I just go for a 50/50 bulb?

I'm considering this one - http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/JUWEL-HIGH-LITE-MARI ... 2c654403c3 - but my concern is it might be too white and not enough blue.

I've attached a picture of my tank - take a look and let me know what you think.

[kalevi]

I've found that more white light really brings out the best in malawi colours, to be honest equal amounts of white and blue tend to wash them out. T5's are a good option for deep tanks like yours, but they can get pricey to run, LED's are definitely worth considering too. What you want is that natural sunlight effect, it makes a huge difference in showcasing the colours of your fish. I've had good results with multiple Marine white or natuflake glo bulbs, either on their own or paired with a single blue bulb. Reflectors can also make a big difference, they help direct the light and enhance the overall look without overdoing it. Have you thought about upgrading to a T5 lighting unit, or maybe even a DIY LED system?

[jolux]

That tank of yours is looking sweet, matbox.

[kalevi]

That tank of yours is looking sweet, matbox.

No worries about the lighting, got a lot of potential this tank mat, nice setup you've got going on there

[lentoa]

With mbuna, it's not really the height that's the issue, it's more about the footprint - the length and width - that determines how many fish you can keep. For example, your tank is 4x2x4, but someone with a 4x2x2 tank can keep the same amount of fish as you, despite the height difference. However, if you had a 6x2x2 tank, which actually holds less water than yours, you could keep more fish because of the larger footprint. Does that make sense?

[matbox]

I've found that more white light really brings out the best in malawi colours, to be honest equal amounts of white and blue tend to wash them out. T5's are a good option for deep tanks like yours, but they can get pricey to run, LED's are definitely worth considering too. What you want is that natural sunlight effect, it makes a huge difference in showcasing the colours of your fish. I've had good results with multiple Marine white or natuflake glo bulbs, either on their own or paired with a single blue bulb. Reflectors can also make a big difference, they help direct the light and enhance the overall look without overdoing it. Have you thought about upgrading to a T5 lighting unit, or maybe even a DIY LED system?

I've been mulling this over... that Light Unit I linked earlier.

Considering my hood setup, I've got about 12cm of clearance from the glass 'lid' to the roof of the brown hood, so it should fit snugly underneath. Plus, there are slits cut in the back and vents for heat release.

It seems like a more cost-effective option to me, as opposed to shelling out for a new dual light controller, reflectors, and bulbs. What are your thoughts on it?

[kalevi]

I think the lighting units are the way to go, easier and more convenient. It would be sitting on the glass sliders, but most units come with a stand, so you could elevate it a bit if needed. A 4-bulb unit would be ideal, giving you the flexibility to experiment and achieve the desired lighting effect.

What's the current fish population in your tank, if you don't mind sharing?

[mizonix]

I've found a combination that works well for me, having a marine white tube at the back of the tank and a "colour" light, like an arcadia original tropical or juwel colorlite, at the front. This seems to bring out the colours of the fish, with the marine white providing a nice overall illumination and the colour light adding a bit of depth and interest.