Lights.

[paranoid1123]

Has this every happened to anyone else? I had all my tanks set up just the way I like them I thought they were looking great, then I got a reef tank with a super bright light and all of a sudden all my other tanks look like they don't have any light on at all.

Looks like I'm in the market for upgrades.

[newb]

yeah, MH's will change your perception of what lights should look like!!!

[Matt in Houston]

I may be a little strange, but if my tank isnt planted than I actually prefer a dimmer setup. Many of the freshwater fish we keep come from less than crystal clear waters and their eyes are very sensitive to light. In addition I think when the lighting is dim and the fish are more comfortable, they will be more active and show their best colors. The final reason why dimmer works for me is the lack of algae. I now keep my lighting fixtures short and centered, and keep the ends of the tank in shadow...I havent had to clean a filter intake or output tube since!