Lighting for aquariums

[Cribbinator]

Hello,

I have a quick question. Is it ok to leave the overhead light on in the aquarium all the time ? Or, should it be turned off in the day and on at night (or vice versa) ? Currently I leave it on all night and then off in the day since there is fair light that enters the room. I would like to leave it on all day at times but I don't know if this stresses the fish out at all or affects them in any way. Just curious.

Thanks,

James

 

[dwayne]

I tink that fish would like some 'dark' time. They sleep just like humans do (well, not just like we do, but you know what I mean )... I turn the light on when I leave the house in the morning (7am), and turn it off around 9pm or so.

~Tara

 

[tomm10]

Yeah I agree with Tara. The fish need some down time. Leaving the lights on can cause stress. I suppose they might adjust to it over time but its really not necessary.

If you want to see them at night think about some sort of moonlight for the tank. Do a search for moonlight in the DIY section and you'll find plenty of info.

Tom

 

[Cribbinator]

I thought they should have some nighttime. I will start doing that tonight, my fish will probably carve "Its about time!!" on my big lava rock in the tank Thanks for the reply!

James

 

[kikuchiyo]

Some fish are stressed out by bright lights as well. Dark hiding places are good, but I leave my tank lights off into late afternoon early evening, as their is enough ambient light to make the tank light a bit too much for small prey fish.