Lighting

[doresy]

Ok, so I have an AquaOne 850 with lighting in the canopy. It contains 3 tubes. The 2 main ones are very bright and seem the same and the middle one is dimmer and is sort of mouve when on by its self. I have included a timer to the lights. The ambient light to the room is not particularily bright, especially at this time of year. I tilt the v blinds up slightly to avoid direct sunlight hitting the tank. I do NOT have any real plants, only immitation (I know I know!) so as I suspect the dimmer tube is to promote plant growth I only have it on for decoration purposes. So my questions to all you good people are, Is it best to have the lights come on and off once in 24 hours to simulate nature. Is it ok (as I have it at present) to have it come on for 4 hours in the morning 6-10 then off untill 4 in the afternoon untill around 11 that night. ie 6am-on 10am-off 4pm-on 11pm-off. These times coincide with someone being in the house (a bit selfish I know) but the fish have not lodged any complaints

 

[severum boy]

That sounds fine. The lighting you have is ment for plants, but as you dont have any your current idea should be fine and the fish shoudent mind it.

 

[Underwurlde]

I believe also that including a lighting siesta as you have may also discourage algae growth.

 

[sussexgirl]

Ok, so I have an AquaOne 850 with lighting in the canopy. It contains 3 tubes. The 2 main ones are very bright and seem the same and the middle one is dimmer and is sort of mouve when on by its self. I have included a timer to the lights. The ambient light to the room is not particularily bright, especially at this time of year. I tilt the v blinds up slightly to avoid direct sunlight hitting the tank. I do NOT have any real plants, only immitation (I know I know!) so as I suspect the dimmer tube is to promote plant growth I only have it on for decoration purposes. So my questions to all you good people are, Is it best to have the lights come on and off once in 24 hours to simulate nature. Is it ok (as I have it at present) to have it come on for 4 hours in the morning 6-10 then off untill 4 in the afternoon untill around 11 that night. ie 6am-on 10am-off 4pm-on 11pm-off. These times coincide with someone being in the house (a bit selfish I know) but the fish have not lodged any complaints

I have my lights on for virtually the same hours as you. I've often wondered if this is ok but my fish seem happy enough so I'm going to keep on with it.