Light Times

[ChrisH]

Hi All!

I have been told by many different sources that it is best to have the light in the hood of my planted tropical tank on for 10 hours each day. I was wondering if 10 hours it about right, and also is it possible to have a break in the middle of the day, as it would be great to have the light on when I get up in the morning as well as on when I go to bed..

What do you guys do?

 

[tstenback]

Perfect. As long as the plants get roughly 10 hours of light daily it does not matter how it is done. However some fish get a tad disconcerted when the lights go on and off several times a day. If the tank is in a well lit room anyway then no problem but if it is in a dark room then you may stress some fish. Keep an eye on the fish as they will indicate if they are not happy by their actions and behaviour. HTH

 

[ChrisH]

Cool! Thanks for such a quick reply

The room is sunlit, but it stays fairly dim as it is quite sheltered. Would it be appropriate then to have the light on for the follwoign hours:

0900 - 1400
1600 - 2100

Thanks..

 

[tstenback]

should be fine. i use a timer for my lights to ensure i dont forget.

 

[ChrisH]

Yep! I have a timer now, and was wondering what numbers to put into it!

Thank you!

 

[G_Sharky]

If you don't have plants you could get away with 8 hours, but if it's a planted tank then it should be lightened at least 10-12 hours a day.....

 

[ChrisH]

Ah cool 11/12 hours would suit me better.. Is it better to have too much light or not enought? Is the light just for the plants?

Thanks!

 

[tstenback]

The light is for both the fish and plants. If you have a room with good natural light but no direct sun and only fish then you only need the lights on when you want to see the fish and its dark. If you have a room with no natural light then you must simulate a tropical day 10 -12 hours of light whether you have fish only or plants as well. Also if you have plants in the tank and you have natural light you still have to have your lights on for about 10-12 hours a day. As the natural light is not enough for the plants. Either too much or too little can have a drstic effect on your plants and environment. It will take some time to get it right and in the case of too much light one downside of course is algae so leave enough space in your tank for a clean up crew. HTH