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	Should I leave the light on???
rbreak7 Small Fry Posts: 5 Kudos: 7 Votes: 0 Registered: 08-Nov-2004	Should I leave the tank light on 24/7? Or what would be better? Thanks
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
john.stone Banned Posts: 1600 Kudos: 2332 Votes: 18 Registered: 03-Apr-2003	12 hours a day... Max... Leaving it on 24 hours will stress your fish horribly.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003	Fish need a day night cycle just like humans, 24 hours is way too much. If you don't have live plants you may find you have serious algae issues, in which case you can go with just having the lights on while you're viewing the tank. Plants generally want 10-16 or so hours of light. ^_^ [link=Contest rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
Jackson Small Fry Posts: 1 Votes: 0 Registered: 29-Nov-2004	It's better to turn it off so your fish can "sleep". They don't have eyelids, so turning off the light makes it easier to catch some Zs. I've heard that for tropical tanks, it should be around 12hrs on and 12hrs off. I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong as there are a number of people out there who know what they're talking about.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
AndyCLS Fish Addict Posts: 590 Kudos: 1584 Votes: 107 Registered: 13-Mar-2003	If you find turning on/turning off aquarium lights to be a nuisance, I recommend the use of a timer. The basic timers can be bought for a little over $6 at hardware stores, or a place like Home Depot, and are a great convenience. I use them on all three of my tanks to manage the light durations. My planted tanks receive a full 12 hours of light per day, whereas my non-planted Malawi tank gets approx. 10 hours/day to slow algae growth down. Last edited by AndyCLS at 06-Dec-2004 13:08
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
Babelfish Administrator Small Fry with Ketchup Posts: 6833 Kudos: 8324 Votes: 1570 Registered: 17-Apr-2003	I compleatly agree on the timers They really do save alot of trouble, especially if you ever go on vacation . I've got all my tanks on timers, and if you need to ajust the on off time it's easy and one less thing to worry about. Plus in summers I have the lights turn on around 2am and off during the day so that the tank doesn't over heat. ^_^ [link=Contest rules]http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Aquascaping/44382.html?200412022138" style="COLOR: #EB4288[/link][/font]
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
wish-ga Mega Fish Dial 1800-Positive-Posts Posts: 1198 Kudos: 640 Registered: 07-Aug-2001	This very question and lots of other things are answered on this thread 'specailly for newbies; http://www.fishprofiles.com/files/forums/Getting%20Started/50758.html?200412041825 Check it out. Maybe you have a few to add too. Things you have figured out that others could benefit from. Welcome to the site... Hope to see you 'round <wish_ga waves> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~~~ My fish blow kisses at me all day long ~~~
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
keithgh Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 6371 Kudos: 6918 Votes: 1542 Registered: 26-Apr-2003	rbreak7 A timer is the way to go I have my lights on 11 hrs per day. I also believe it would be very harmful to the fish. Keith Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do. I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT? VOTE NOW VOTE NOW
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
jasonpisani Ultimate Fish Guru Posts: 5553 Kudos: 7215 Votes: 1024 Registered: 24-Feb-2003	Buy a timer & leave the lights on for 9-11 hours a day. It's not recommended to leave the lights on for 24/7, as it stresses the fish & Algae will take control of your tank. http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/ Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970. http://www.maltaaquarist.com
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58
fish1 Banned Posts: 1727 Kudos: 1910 Votes: 58 Registered: 09-May-2004	Never get your lighting confused with filters. Filters should be kept on 24 hours a day. Were as lighting should just be on 12hours a day maximum. If you have trouble with turning your light on it the morning or turning it off at night, you should get a timer as recommended.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:58


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