Lighting

[juliethegr8t]

I have heard so many contrasting reports on this that my head is spinning. I'm just wondering how long, if at all, I should have my aquarium light turned on. I've heard that the natural sunlight in the room is enough, and I've heard that you should have your light on for around 8 hours a day. I don't have live plants, so that makes a difference I imagine, but I'm still curious about if I need to leave my light on at all. My room does get sunlight, but is that enough? Thanks for any help!

 

[CFC]

If you have no live plants then you only need to switch on the aquarium lights when you wish to veiw your fish,the fish dont need the light on and will probably preffer the shadey lighting from the window.

 

[val]

I personally don't think that just sunlight is enough. I turn the light on whenever I wake up and then decide when I should turn it off.

Valerie

 

[CFC]

I personally don't think that just sunlight is enough. I turn the light on whenever I wake up and then decide when I should turn it off.

Valerie

Unless you have live plants in the tank all having the lights on during non viewing times will do is encourage algea growth,the fish will be perfectly happy with lighting from outside the tank either from the lighting in the room or from sunlight (not direct sunlight mind you as this can cause over heating and alges problems).If you look at the natural habbitats of these fish you will see that often the water is very coloured so they wouldnt have bright sunlight apart from maybe in the dry season.

 

[skiltrip]

One other thing though, is lack of light may cause Brown Algae to begin growing. Which is real ugly, and a pain to get rid of completely (as i am finding out).

- kip

 

[WorldNation]

i keep mine on for about 10-12hrs a day. largely becaus i like looking at my fish. but unless u have plants or corals, it doesnt really matter.

 

[Great Lakes]

Julie, your lighting should be consistant. No matter how you decide to do it, do it the same everyday. This way you have a baseline established in case you ever need to deal with an algae or fish problem. Fish are more active with the lighting on.

Always try to strive for constant parameters. It is a little biological system, and you are it's creator.