First oscar tank started

[Elizabeth94]

Well i fixed the filter, being the brand of whisper you'd think it was supposed to be quiet, but its rather loud. either way I need more filtration and will be looking.

[Elizabeth94]

I really want my oscars colors to "pop" when he's in the tank. Im planning on getting either an albino tiger, tiger, or red O. What color background would bring out the colors of each separately (I'm only going to get one of those kinds)

[OinKY]

Os color up (or down) to background colors.They can't change the intensity of the reds (only good diet and health do that),but they can change their base color to blend in. The darker the base color the more the reds seem to pop out.
Since decor usually isn't factored in when an O "looks" at its environment,you'd darken the substrate and background.

[Elizabeth94]

Well yes. I knew that the fish's color wouldn't physically change but i knew that adding a dark background would bring the colors on the fish out more. But should i do a black or navy blue? my sand color is white. Was just curious on what people like i figured the albino would stick out more with a darker background than a white one.

[OinKY]

Fish can physically change base color within its spectral range. The markings and color patterns (the things that attract us) they can't.This is because base colors are a fixed genetic trait across an entire species...markings/patterns are randomly located genetically individual to individual...and they have some physiological control over that aspect as it applies to environment. This applies to morphs of a species too,from melanistic to leucistic,although they have a more limited range. Color changes in pattern/markings are usually hormonal and not consciously controlled.
Example...my O (Connor) is Leucistic Tiger X sp. "Peru" cross. Depending on tank decor (but mostly mood) he can be almost leucistic with red appearing orange to almost black with red appearing intense...but in reality the red never changed color.It's the base color doing it.

Think you'd be happier in the long run going "neutral" on substrate and background colors. This gives an O a chance to just relax,not try to blend,and run its colors across their full genetic (what it'll boil down to anyway) spectrum.
Could also just decorate to what you find aesthetically pleasing and call it a day.Let good health and environment take genetics to their peak.

[JohnL]

I have several tanks some with navy blue some with black. I prefer the black.

[Elizabeth94]

Fish can physically change base color within its spectral range. The markings and color patterns (the things that attract us) they can't.This is because base colors are a fixed genetic trait across an entire species...markings/patterns are randomly located genetically individual to individual...and they have some physiological control over that aspect as it applies to environment. This applies to morphs of a species too,from melanistic to leucistic,although they have a more limited range. Color changes in pattern/markings are usually hormonal and not consciously controlled.
Example...my O (Connor) is Leucistic Tiger X sp. "Peru" cross. Depending on tank decor (but mostly mood) he can be almost leucistic with red appearing orange to almost black with red appearing intense...but in reality the red never changed color.It's the base color doing it.

Think you'd be happier in the long run going "neutral" on substrate and background colors. This gives an O a chance to just relax,not try to blend,and run its colors across their full genetic (what it'll boil down to anyway) spectrum.
Could also just decorate to what you find aesthetically pleasing and call it a day.Let good health and environment take genetics to their peak.

Thank you oinky, ill probably just stick with black or get a dark rocky pattern.