Photo question

[ricky1414]

I have recently changed the lighting for my tank. I have 1 70w 10k Ushio DE and 40 watts of actinic 03. Here's my question:
My tank, when you look at it, and others can back me up) looks almost crystal clear. There is just the slightest hint of blue in it, but when I take pix of it, it is yellowish green. In other words, its ugly.
What is causing it? I did the white paper test behind the tank, and it is white.
FYI- I run carbon when needed, but the pictures just look like crud. I have attempted to adjust the white balance, and it changes it a little, but not much. What do I do?
Thanks for your help.

 

[Len]

The human eye is extremely adept at compensating for intensity and color shifts. Digital imagers are not. The actinics are fooling the auto white balance on your camera and you'll have to tinker with it to get it just right. I know you've tried to adjust it, but it really is the only variable I can think of that'll produce the mis-coloration you're describing.

FWIW, I often take tank photos with the actinics off. Also, some of this can be fixed in Photoshop IME.

 

[wade1]

If your camera has the ability, you should take a piece of bright white plastic and place it into the tank. Focus on the plastic and set the white balance. It has worked great for me in the past.

Wade

 

[Anonymous]

Yeah, actually; what Wade's describing is what came to my mind... If you camera has a "set white balance", and it can handle the higher Kelvin ratings (at least 10000K), then Wade's got the clever idea on that one! My camera does it, though even in the right situations, it still tends to be a tad bit off... At least how my eyes see it, anyhow!
Good luck, and let us know what works for you! Also, what camera?