Adequate Lighting

[jvis0606]

Do I need to keep the tank light on all day? I read that they need to simulate light, maybe 10 hours of light a day. My apartment gets pretty bright during the day (no direct sunlight on the tank though, due to algae) but I was wondering if it was necessary to keep the aquarium tank light on all day long. And what if we are away for the weekend? Is the daylight coming in enough for these guys? Thanks!

 

[smithrc]

for fish - yes
for plants - no

 

[wetwetwet]

Insufficient and also too much light can also lead to algae problems

 

[Tempestuousfury]

Brown algae- not enough light
Green- too much light

Fish need anywhere from 8-12 hours of light, depending on origins.

Plants require more light than what you have, but the fish should be fine.

If you decide to get lights, get fluorescent, not incandescent.

 

[Nina7777]

Both my 55 gallon and my 30 gallon are in my living. Where I have a huge window. The room is bright throughout the day so therefor I do not leave the tank lights on. I do turn them on when i get home though. So all in all my tanks get about 4-5 hours of tanklight a day. I don't have any plants and I dont have any algae, so you just have to see what works in your situation!

 

[pandapops001]

i have duo lights in my tank, and everytime i put the lights on they shy away and tend to be more lively when the lights are off, i also have quite a bright room, so it is really hard to know what to do for the best.

Would a timer switch be any use, like on for 3 hrs off for 3 hours or something ??

 

[smithrc]

it'll help with the algae (if you get any)

I run ours on timers,
5 hours on - 5 hours off - 5 hours on

they are set to come back on a 6 when we get home (when i've got a job )