lights on at night?

[ryanalex]

I have a planted tank at home. I work during the day (when I am not reading the aquaria forums).

So I want the tank to have the lights on in the morning and on at night when I am home and can enjoy it.

Can I have the lights on for 12 hours and put the lights on from 6am-11am and then from 4pm to 11pm?

I have been turning the lights on at 10am and off at 10pm (timer).

Do the lights affect the fish at all? It seems they are less active when its dark. However, in the morning when some light gets in there they seem to be somewhat active even when the light is off.

 

[John N.]

I doubt that it would have a drastic effect on fish, besides a little surprise when the lights turn on.

Though, having the lights go on siesta style, for 5 hours then a break then 5 hours again is not optimal for growth, it will be fine for both plants and fauna. FYI, plants take about 3 hours to reach optimal photosythetic respiration.

I'm not sure how algae will react to this lighting scheme, but I'm guessing it actually might benefit and produce algae during the siesta period.

-John N.

 

[IceH2O]

Why not just run the lights at night.

I run the lights in my 20 gallon at night but its not planted, well it has a small amazon and some java moss and java ferns.

My kids use it as a nightlight.

 

[ryanalex]

Run lights for more than 12 hours?

Do you think it would be a good alternative to just run the lights for 16 hours? Maybe from 7 AM to 11PM.

My tank is 6 gallons and I only have 10 watts. So maybe since my wattage is low it would be okay to let it go longer?