I dont have any real plants yet, but as far as fishes health, and algea growth (ive got some of the brown stuff, its a newish tank), is timed lighting very important? Ive been on a very loose schedual, and was wondering if it would be smart to get a timer. Tanks is a 10 gallon, with a balloon molly, some ghost shrimp, and a cory cat.
How important is timed lighting?
- Thread starter nvan2
- Start date
$5 for a timer offers a great value in terms of convenience. I just started using one and wouldn't ever stop using one. If your schedule is unpredictable then a timer sounds like a good idea...especially if you are at risk of algae. Good luck.
In unplanted tanks, lighting is just for you (assuming decent ambient lighting in the room). However, the regularity of the light coming on will help the fish adapt and avoid startling them. Minimizing the lit hours to when you are there will help safe energy as well as reduce algae growth.
I think even without live plants, a timer is invaluable. Since people benefit from a regular sleep/wake light/dark schedule, I imagine fish do as well. In addition, if you sleep in, stay out late etc. you know the light will come on and shut off on schedule. My fish wake up and start moving around every morning just before the light comes on, and the plants start to close up just before lights out, so it seems to me they've adjusted to their schedule.
But what about sunlight and other light around the tank when the main tank lights are off. Im the morning my tank get a bit of sunlight way before the tank light turns on, and when Im doing homework sometimes Im up untill 2am when the light turns off at 11pm. Can this mess anything up besides alage?