lighting question

[nattybrack]

I have recently upgraded to a 55 gal. brackish tank (still cycling) (with 2 24" hoods, 1 bulb per hood), in my research have found some differing information concerning lighting requirements. I do not have / will not have (at least for a little while) any live plants, and was wondering the correct lighting intervals. Some sites / postings I have read suggest that lights should be left on for 8 hrs a day, to simulate the sun, to insure no added stress is given to the fish, while others suggest that lights should be turned on for viewing and feeding only, not to promote algae growth. What is the correct lighting timing/requirements? The tank is not near the window, and the curtains are usually lowered (levelors), so the room is not pitch black, but it's not bright either.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

[OrionGirl]

Lights are not needed for a tank without plants, unless there is no ambient light in the room. If you would turn on a light to read whie in that room, lighting is suggested for most fish (there are exceptions!). Lighting will help improve fish behavior as well as coloring, and consistant photo-periods are easily achieved with a timer.

There is no need to get expensive lighting, however. A simple strip light would be fine. I run timers for all my tanks, set for about 8 hours of light, a little longer for some tanks. After all, there are many areas that have much more than 8 hours of light per day!

[nattybrack]

Thanks for the reply and info.

Do you run the timers on your tank because you have live plants or because you want to improve the fishes behavior? If it is for behavior, what did you notice that may have needed correction?

Many thanks.

[OrionGirl]

I run timers for the plants, and to a lesser degree for behavior. Depending on what fish you have, slightly dim conditions may be enough for them to spend most of thier time just hanging about. Brighter lights make my gouramies more active, while making the kuhli's, pleco,s ect hide out more. All depends on what you have in the tank. Fish that are often eaten in the wild (minnows, neons, ect--most of your smaller schooling fish) tend to avoid bright lights, unless given plenty of hiding places and shadow.

[nattybrack]

That's interesting, I think the lights may make my cichlids more active as well. Either that or they can see someone in their territory more easily. Either way, I will stick with the passive / dim lighting. Thanks very much for the info.