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A Guide to Enhancing the Color of the Fish in Your Aquarium
Underwater ecosystems in the tropics are very colorful habitats. The colors of aquatic species from fish and plants to coral and invertebrates tend to be bright, deep, and vibrant. This is particularly the case in coastal reef environments, and there are various reasons that explain this coloration. Depending on the species, the colors and patterns are useful to attract mates, as camouflage, defense mechanism, and even communication. The reason tropical fish are so colorful is because sunlight crosses the water surface, thus allowing species to see the chromatic spectrum illuminated by ultraviolet rays. Aquarists can even expect some species to change colors as they develop or according to seasonal factors. Better yet, the colors of some aquarium fish can be enhanced with the right tank setup and proper care.
Manage Water Quality and Clarity
Once a tank has been established and the first species are introduced, a bacterial bloom will happen over three days or so, thus giving the water a cloudy appearance. This is normal and necessary to complete the nitrogen cycle, but it should be the only time the water doesn’t look clear. Algae bloom and plankton that grows from fish waste will make the water murky, thus making species less visible. Checking nitrate levels frequently and making the right adjustments can go a long way toward keeping the water clear and thus enhancing the color of your fish.
Keep Your Fish Healthy and Happy
A good mix of species, proper feeding, lighting cycles, clean water, plants, and objects such as rocks and driftwood can contribute to the healthy development of aquarium fish, and they’ll signal their satisfaction by displaying their colors. Along with the substrate, plants and objects give fish something to do aside from swimming and feeding, and this will improve their wellbeing. Pairing fish of the same species for company is also a good idea. As for school fish, keeping less than three will make them feel lonely. With regard to lighting, most tropical species need resting periods triggered by darkness or dimmed light.
Use Specialty Fish Food
One of the most crucial fish tank supplies is high-quality fish food like TDO Chroma, an amazing new color-enhancing and super healthy food from Japan that all pellet- or flake-eating fish love:
Fish coloration boils down to pigmentation of their scales, and this is a factor that reacts to nutrition. Basic fish meal is sufficient for normal development, but specialty food for aquarium fish contains ingredients that can enhance colors. Look for fish food with ingredients such as salmon, shrimp, carotene, larvae, and krill.
Keep Potential Mates
Some male tropical fish look their best when they want to attract females. In fact, this is the easiest way for the staff at aquarium shops, such as Aquatic Warehouse, to determine gender and encourage mating and spawning. Keeping couples is always a good idea, particularly if you’re interested in spawning, but keep in mind some species are capricious and won’t reproduce unless the tank has certain conditions such as plants, substrate grass, or objects for hiding and laying eggs.
All aquarists want to ensure their fish stay healthy and live a long time, and that requires having all of the essential supplies for a tank. Whether you need beneficial bacteria, aquarium monitors, protein skimmers, or any other supply, Aquatic Warehouse has you covered. Check out our extensive selection on our website, and give us a call at 858-467-9297 to speak with one of our friendly aquarium experts.