Are fish sensitive to light?

[wrc1045]

I noticed something weird. with the aquarium light on, the fish swims upright. with the light off and room light entering from the front/sides, the fish swim to one side (kind of leaning toward the light) the fish is a 6-7" barb (silver with red tails/tips) I was just curious on this. Thanks

 

[WeeNe858]

yeah some fish dont like light but the fishes you have shouldint have a problem. .. it might be light shock <--thats what i call it.... kinda like when we're in a dark room and someone turns on the light.

 

[icecubez189]

some fish are more sensitive to powerful lighting than others, subdued lighting can be achieved with plants or floating plants for cover as well as decor. i would say most fish are stressed when your aquarium lights turn on in a dark room. first turn on the room lights so your fish can adjust to it.

 

[Flaringshutter]

fish don't have eyelids, so they can be very sensitive to light. some fish are more sensitive than others, but you may have a light that's too bright for your particular fish. Try using a dimmer lightbulb, see if this keeps your fish happier.

 

[Shorgasm III]

but wrc's fish swims FINE with the light ON... and notices the "off-kilter" when the lights on. i wouldnt say its your lighting, its the fish.
i personally dont know much about barbs, but i had silver dollars before that would do it... once the light was off, they cop'd a lean

 

[philhawk]

maybe look into getting some moonlights to create some low lighting evenly spread over the tank. some fish react with moonlight and the moonlights should give you a window into their nocturnal habits. goodluck

 

[wrc1045]

I currently have different bulbs I can switch. they use a ballast. what type of lights are you talking about. can I add them to my existing hood or canapy? thanks for your time

 

[Shorgasm III]

moonlights are commercially leds, but i switch and use CCT for computers. some people use neon for under a car. google "aquarium moonlight". you'll get the stuff you can buy and tips aon DIY.

but in regard to MY silver's... even with the moonlighting they sil swam that way.
if you have any nocturnal fish, the lights a must! and even if not, the ambiance of how it looks is cool enough to justify it!

 

[wrc1045]

I did some searching. I found this on ebay item#160063899086

what do you all think. I think I could easily retro something like that in my hood/reflector. Or should I buy a new setup? I am willing to spend the money if it's easier to maintain and it will last some time. i don't want to save a few bucks now just to spend more money and time later.