Substrates and Apisto colouration.

[Microman]

I was using bare bottomed growing on tanks for my Apistos but decided to opt for a light coloured sand substrate to make the environment slightly more natural and less stressful. As soon as the sand was added and the Apistos were reintroduced their colours faded instantly.
Why does this happen?
Any comments and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark....

 

[blueblue]

i think apistos love darker environment. So, their colours will be best shown either when the lighting and water colour create a sense of security OR the substrate has a darker colour... Otherwise, the apistos will tend to be paler (which also naturally fits the light colored substrate and environment)...

I was using bare bottomed growing on tanks for my Apistos but decided to opt for a light coloured sand substrate to make the environment slightly more natural and less stressful. As soon as the sand was added and the Apistos were reintroduced their colours faded instantly.
Why does this happen?
Any comments and advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Mark....