Is it ok to have my tank lights off a lot?

[OrkyBetta]

I only turn my tank lights on when I do my water changes. The water gets so hot if I keep them on. The water I put in for water changes is usually room temp, and I keep the lights on for a few minutes before and after a water change to help keep the water temperature the same. Is it bad to have my lights off most of the time? The room the tank is in is well lit.

 

[Paul_MTS]

details on the tank and stock would be the decider....???

 

[SirMinion]

...and the fish as some fish need more light than others.

 

[rdd1952]

Also, do you have live plants? What kind of lights do you have? I can't imagine how the lights could effect the water temp that much unless you have an awful lot of light on a small tank. I'm running 130 watts on a 29 gallon tank and they don't change my water temp.

 

[OrkyBetta]

there are 6 neons and 2 guppies in the tank, no real plants. The lights are incandescant bulbs and the tank is a 10 gallon. The lights raise the water temp several degrees in a short time.

 

[rdd1952]

I can't imaging incandescent bulbs being that hot. As for leaving the lights off all the time, I don't think it will be a problem as long as their not in a dark closet. They should get plenty of ambient light during the day and you can turn the lights on some when you are home and want to watch the fish. What does your normal tank temp stay at? Is it heated?

 

[Paul_MTS]

try switching to the energy saving types they don't give off much heat.

if not go for the lowest wattage possible.

 

[OrkyBetta]

thanks, I'll try switching bulbs. The bulbs DO get really hot, i touched them when they were on...ouch. The lid gets hot too.

The temp in the tank is usually a pretty steady 79 degrees, give or take a bit. It is heated.

 

[Bignose]

Just like we do, fish make vitamin D3 from light. Vitamin D is a necessary vitamin, and if they are not getting enough light they cannot make this vitamin. Food can supplement the vitmain deficiency, but naturally making it from light is best. I am unsure if ambient room light is enough to manufacture signigicant amounts of this vitamin.

I agree if you get a compact flouresent that will fit your bulb you can get a lot of light for not a lot of heat. It will be more expensive than a regular bulb, but should last a lot longer.