Lights On When Cleaning?

[cookie_db]

Just wondering if it's ok to leave the tank lights on when doing a water change and a clean? I know you're supposed to turn everything off but with the lights off I find I can't see what I'm doing and that I've left loads of bits, which are very noticeable with sand. Silly question but has to be asked

Thanx
Dani

 

[noshybabs]

Just wondering if it's ok to leave the tank lights on when doing a water change and a clean? I know you're supposed to turn everything off but with the lights off I find I can't see what I'm doing and that I've left loads of bits, which are very noticeable with sand. Silly question but has to be asked

Thanx
Dani

I personally cant because i have all my tanks plugs going to one place, but if i could i would. Its annoying doing it without the lights on. Of course if it falls in the tank your a gonner!

I sometimes use a head torch, which isnt ideal but does the job.

 

[Lynda B]

I turn off the filter and heater while cleaning. I leave the light and the bubbler on. The fish seem to be more relaxed if I do it that way, plus I can see what I'm doing. I think it would depend on the type of cover you have as to whether you can leave the light on safely.

 

[cookie_db]

I have a fluval 1200 duo deep tank so the lights seem pretty safe in their hood to me. Would be great if I could keep them on so I can do a decent job. Never thought about leaving the bubbler on but as I only got fish just over a week ago it's something that just never crossed my mind.

Dani

 

[andywg]

I leave all my electrics on when doing a change. Don't sweat it.

The point about turning things off is more a discalimer from the manufacturers to prevent people suing should an item fail with the owner's hands in the tank.

So long as the heater doesn't get exposed to air there's no problems with leaving everything on.

 

[cookie_db]

That's good to know. Both my heater and filter become exposed when doing a water change so they will definitely be turned off but it's nice to know I can leave my lights on and see what I'm doing. Thanx for your help everyone

Dani

 

[ox5477]

andy is defo right. No need to turn off anything in the tank unless they will possibly start to run dry or be ostly exposed to the the air. Otherwise, keep everything running

 

[rdd1952]

It depends on how much water I'm changing. If it's going to be enough to where the heater or possibly the intake will be out of the water, then I unplug them but I always leave the light on.

 

[Lhutch]

i take the light of and leave everthing running exept the light, i need room to work

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

I tend to leave everything plugged in and on when I do smaller water changes since nothing gets exposed but...

It's a VERY good idea to splash guard all of the outlets during a water change. Just tape a trash bag over the outlet or something. I know it sounds kinda dumb, but if an accident occurs water in your outlets is NOT a good thing.