How long to leave flourescent lights on or off?

SmallFishi

SmallFishi

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Nov 8, 2006
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I don't have a planted aquarium I read that lighting is stressful to fish, our tank is in a dark corner.
What do people suggest for lighting the tank?
All day?
Only in the evening?
Very Occasionally?
5 hours a day? 10? etc
Thanks :)
 
If you've got NO plants....then the fish really don't need the light. I would think you could get along with only have the lights on when YOU want to view the tank.

So if you work during the day, then have the lights on for 3 hours at night when you would like to view the tank.

Having the lights on when you're not there to benefit from them is probably not necessary.
 
It's good to have a set time. If you change the time around alot, you'll stress the fish and their biorythmic cycles. I have my light on for 12 hours and I use the moonlights to warn the fish that the light is about to turn on.
 
Also, keep in mind the natural duration of sunlight. Give them 8-12 hours a day depending on the time of year and current photoperiod, more or less as the plants seem to need or algae growth dictates.
 
I personally use timers to keep my tanks regulated, I have them on for around 8 hours a day, maybe a bit longer. Its good way to keep up a wake rest periods of the day, this helps when you have fish that like to hunt durring the night and those that like the day. I would keep the light level lower if your worried about the stress of the fish, use an atinic light which I think looks way better then just straight white lights. Have them come on for a couple of hours in the evening like say from 4 - 12 that way you can enjoy your fish when you come home.
 
I have my tanks on timers. It seems that the fish do better in general if they are on a set schedule. This way they have a day schedule that they are active in and they have a night schedule. Fish need their sleep too.

Marinemom
 
I agree.....come up with a set schedule for your lights. Don't turn them on & off just to look at the fish.

But without any plants, you are not tied down to needing the lights on 8-12 hours a day. Assuming your room has some light from a window or something...it won't be in complete darkness for much of the day. Then schedule your lights (advise a timer) to turn on for the evening when you would most likely want to view & enjoy your fish.

Set the timer to go off 15 mins after your usual bedtime and your fish will get to sleep also.
 
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