Air pump and lighting

[ips]

My tank uses under gravel filtration. The air tube causes the water to circulate around the tank. Am I supposed to switch off the air pump at night so that the water goes still so the fish can sleep without swimming into the water flow?

Also can someone tell me what length of time to leave the tank light on for. Its currently set on a timer and comes on at 10am and goes off at 10pm. Am I supposed to switch it off mid afternoon or shorten the length of time it is on for.

Thanks in advance

 

[William]

I am moving this topic to hardware - you'll get more replies there!

 

[ips]

Thanx

 

[Great Lakes]

UGF on 24/7. Your lighting sounds OK. You aren't getting excess algae or anything apparently.

 

[Limpet]

ips,

You need to keep the flow to keep oxygen coming to the bacteria that make the gravel their home. Not sure how long they can last without it, but if you kill off the bacteria because of lack of oxygen you will see a quick build up of Ammonia followed by a quick die off of your fish.

Regarding the light, I would image that you would simulate a day in their natural habitat. Not sure though as the light you use is obviously not the sun.