4ft cichlid aquarium lighting for cichlids

Hi
I currently have a 1.2m x 0.5(h)x 0.6(b) sized tank cabnet and lighting still under construction... been thinking of placing three white t5 tubes with 1 blue t5 for my cichlids for best possible colour is this alright? or would i need two blue and two white?

please advise.
thanks

 

what kind of cichlids, sound like a lot of light unless you are trying to grow plants
be more specific and get better imput

 

Hi @Thresher - You might have noticed before that sun light brings out the best in cichlids colors.

You should try to emulate that by providing a full spectrum of light,.
If I could only have one bulb I'd use a 50/50 actintic/white, if I could add a second it would provide decent red spectrum.

Depending on the species you keep I might be too worried about stressing the fish out to add any more than that.
Cichlids will dull their colors if the light is too bright so too many bulbs no good!

Have a read through this article for more information; http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/marineland_aquarium_lighting.php

PS. Ever thought about Lake Tanganyika cichlids?

 

for malawis as I think you are going to keep, one t5 white and one blue will be just fine.

 

Hi guys thanks for the info will be doing some homework on weather to keep tangs or malawi cichlids...