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I read a thread a couple days ago asking if fish need the aquarium light, or if it's just for show. Well, my question is, if you are going to use the light, do you think keeping a ruff schedule daily is good for the fish?

In other words, giving the fish a "day" and a "night" instead of just turning on the light when I want to look at them. I'm thinking they would like this more than off-on-off-on all the time.

opinions?

-Dennis

Mine are very use to there schedule of day and night...Every morning, when the lights come on, they know its feeding time.(they all swim to the opening of the tank)and everynight at lights out,(they all get in there sleeping spot)....Same places each night seems like....Plec comes out to eat, everyone else hits their hiding spots.....

[span class="edited"][Edited by Vic 2004-08-31 09:11][/span]

yes, they should have a schedule. I think it is generally recomended between 8 - 10 hours of light everyday, (altho mine are on between noon and midnight) the longer they are on the more chance of algee. they should come on and off at the same time everyday, although it doesnt matter what that time is, so you can plan it so that the lights are on when you're around the house. they shouldnt be set to come on and off more than once a day tho.

the lights are essential if growing live plants. i had a load die when i was first starting out as i didnt have enough light...

If the tank is planted then 10+ hours a day is necessary. If it's not planted I'd suggest keeping it shorter. I do agree that the light on for extended periods of day and night is good for the fish.....I have mine set to come on around 6:30 well before they're fed....so they associate feeding with me and not the light .

^_^

A timer will allow you to have a consistent schedule, even when you're not there. I adjust mine during the year a few times to reflect longer or shorter days of the seasons.

yes, they should have a schedule. I think it is generally recomended between 8 - 10 hours of light everyday, (altho mine are on between noon and midnight) the longer they are on the more chance of algee. they should come on and off at the same time everyday, although it doesnt matter what that time is, so you can plan it so that the lights are on when you're around the house. they shouldnt be set to come on and off more than once a day tho.

the lights are essential if growing live plants. i had a load die when i was first starting out as i didnt have enough light...

I find that they are, Beefshank,
I have all my tanks set on a timer, around 10 hrs a day works for me. Timers don't cost that much and it sets the tank routine for you.
It brings a form of order to the tanks, feeding, checking the tank for problems etc.
I do agree with Babel, I don't feed as soon as the lights come on, I wait aprox 1/2 hrs after they come on.
Plus you must admit lighting on tanks makes them look real good.
I use fake moonlighting on my tanks, just my preference.

I have my lights on a timer turning on at 10am and off at 9pm. 11 hours for my plants ]

I also feed around the on/off times as well.

I have my lights come on at 6:30am, then off around 9am for morning feedings (and then Im at work, so why have the light on). This accomadates weekends too..if I decide to sleep in a bit. Then they go on about 5pm to 10pm for night feedings. this also lets my 5-yr-old know when its okay to watch the fish. If during the day or even the middle of the night, I want to see them, then I override the timer and just switch the lights on, but I try not to do this. I have it set for 8 hours of light on the tank, (so I have 2 hrs of wiggle room). But I also wanted it on during a time when I could enjoy it. So that is what I do, and it seems to be working. (Only a month old tank though )

Ok, sounds good. I will make a schedule. Currently, my hood has florecent lights. 4 bulbs. 2 white, and 2 blue. I may try to re-wire them so I can turn on one without the other. It would be kinda like a 2-step fade up to not shock the fish quite so much.

I also have one of those moonlights on order. I've never seen one work, but they sound cool. I guess I can hook up a second timer to turn on the "moonlight" after the "daylight" turns off. Of course, the moonlight will go off too, so everybody can sleep.

By the way, I have no live plants.

-Dennis

Beefshank

I have a timer on 8am and off 7pm. You can see in My Profile what type of tank & lighting I have.
I certainly agree try to get the lights to work in daylight hrs and at a constant time not on off when you feel like to

Keith

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