Lighting

[shelley120861]

Does lighting have any effect on fish/plants as it does with saltwater?  I noticed the tank I just bought has something on the front lip of the tank that looks like an LED light.  I know that's probably a dumb question, but I've had saltwater tanks for the past 8 years

 

[Ninjouzata]

Well they certainly affect the plants growth and their coloration. Lighting can affect the fishes coloration too I think?
I'm pretty inexperienced with lighting and whatnot but wanted to make sure you got some sort of answer. Hopefully someone can explain more in-depth to you soon.

 

[frapadoodle]

Short answer, yes.
Lighting affects plant growth, and algae growth on slow growing plants like Anubius.
It also has an effect of fish color and behaviour depending on natural environment. Such as most South American fish come from rather shaded stained water with darker substrates.
Bright lights and sand is quite bright. So thier color is washed out, and they tend to hide more often.

 

[shelley120861]

Thank you very much!  This helps a lot!  Is there a certain light I need to put on my tank?  I may go with live plants later, but artificial for now

 

[frapadoodle]

Depends on cost, tank depth, type of plants, and personal preference.
My plants are low light, Swords and Anubius mainly. Most stems, not destroyed by my Angels puke out and die. So I just have flourescent. Some plants require higher lighting.
Have starting to research leds, but becareful to get those rated for freshwater, as the salty lights are a bit more intense.
Remember, the more light and longer the photoperiod, the more co2 the plants need.

 

[yinyangpete]

I think light may have an impact on fish in ways we are still trying to fathom. Check this link...

http/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vision_in_fishes
 
I won't dare to imagine how to make a practical application of this knowledge in an aquarium. But I think your question is solid, and not just regarding plants.
 

 

[shelley120861]

Thanks, to all who posted!  Don't know what I'd do without you guys!