I was just running standard cool white lamps on my 125 up until today, I put down some money and went with zoo med 50/50(atinic/daylight) 6500k lamps, so much better. The blues pop like none other now, I defiantly recommend this product.

salt tanks run 10K and up ................if you think 6500 are bringin some color out try that- - - -not sure if they might be to strong for fresh water fish though ......but i hear ya, after seeing true color ill never go back to flourensents

honestly algae do better in the lower end spectrum 4000k - 6500k than the higher spectrum say 10000k and up but cichlids are natural algae grazers so as long as you dont have a massive amount you should be fine

a 50/50 of 6500/10,000 is considered (by most) the most optimal kelvin combo for freshwater planted. its not really necessary as kelvin ranges above the 5k range have minimal effects on growth speed and health, which is more dependent on the amount of light and other factors not relating to light.

I do agree thought that actinics can make for a nice looking tank (even in FW) as long as other light is present.

kelvin is related to how white the light is but certin plants or oginisims such as algae respnod better to lower ( ie alge) and certin respond to higher (ie corals)