Aquarium Lighting

[dannol]

Hi,

I have a 130 liter coldwater aquarium. I am running my 2 florescent light tubes off a plug-in timer. I was just wondering what are the best times and for how long should I leave my light on each day.

Thanks.

[mousey]

I think it is up to you and if you want to see them at a certain time.
I run my lights from 8am-12 noon and then again in the evening for another 1 1/2 hrs. i have planted tropical tanks.
They also get a bit of sunlight in the day time that is currently growing lots of algae!The sun is much lower now and shines in my windows whereas it doesn't in the summer

[Damon]

Its best to leave them on for one long period than 2 shorter ones. More harmful in planted tanks to turn them on and off throughout the day. 8 hrs is a good viewing time.

[mousey]

why is it better to have them on for a long period?
I have simple plants. - vals javas, anubias. They grow like mad.

[BV77]

photosynthesis...........plants have a sleep and wake cycle....tropical plants come from parts of the earth where it is daylight 12 hours and night 12 hours. try to simulate that as much as possible...personally, my lights are on 10 hours a day.....more or less light in accordance with algae growth
also your lights should be 5000k to 6700k....full spectrum

[dannol]

Thanks for your replies.

My tank has two 20watt florescent tubes. My timer is currently set to turn the lights on at 13:00 until 22:00.

This question may sound stupid, but when my lights are turned off at night, the room that the tank is in will go to almost pitch black darkness. Does this matter? Does the sudden change in light stress my fish?

Sorry for the stupid question.

[oliesminis]

shouldnt do mine are the same you could leave a littl light next to the tank if you wnted but mine have no problems with it, it is sort of the sam eas us we know the lights are going of and if you keep the tank at similar times then they will come to expect it

[mousey]

interesting. never thought that plants have a sleep and wake cycle.
One reason I only run the lights for 4 hours at a time is because the hood gets so hot especially in the summer and heats the room more. Also I like to have the light on in the evening so I can see the fish especially in the winter months.
I wonder if I left the lights on continuosly in the day and off in the evening and night if the plants would grow faster? As it is I have to remove lots of vals every 3-4 months.
I guess I could actually feed the fish later in the morning now I am retired. i used to set the lights to come on at 0600 so they could eat before I went to work.

[Andy_Dufresne]

Plants need a decent amount of time in the dark and in the light. When the lights are on the plants are going through photosynthesis, and creating energy stores, but they do not use this energy produced from photosynthesis. Then in their dark cycle is when they are able to use the energy stored and able to grow. So if you have lights on all the time it will just continue to produce energy and not use any of it.

Nick

[emc7]

Does the sudden change in light stress my fish?

I think they do learn to expect it, at least my angels seem to. The seem to startle less with the timer than when I turn off the light and then bump the tank on the way to bed. I've had more eggs last thru the night since I started the timer, it could be a coincidence or maybe the sudden darkness discourages a twilight egg-eater.

I know a sudden sunset isn't realistic, but it would take multiple lights and timers to simulate reality. I've seen Aquariums (the kind you visit) do this, and they vary the light cycle with the seasons as well.

[predator]

im not a botonist... but i dont think plants need dark... Yes they have a dark cycle and a light cycle... but is it not just referred to as that dark cycle because it doesnt need light... not because it requires dark...

If there were any reasy not to break up the lighting i would think it would be the fish... the plants shouldnt care...

-me

[barry stamper]

Originally Posted by dannol

Thanks for your replies.

My tank has two 20watt florescent tubes. My timer is currently set to turn the lights on at 13:00 until 22:00.

This question may sound stupid, but when my lights are turned off at night, the room that the tank is in will go to almost pitch black darkness. Does this matter? Does the sudden change in light stress my fish?

Sorry for the stupid question.

I felt the same way and purchased this led lighting system from petsmart I got all green lights I don't know if the fish like it but It looks awesome

[dannol]

Thanks everyone, seems like it's ok to just let the lights turn off like they are.

In reply to your post, barry, I think that I might change the colour of my lights in the future. I will probably go for green as well. Is it safe to use coloured lights?

[barry stamper]

The lighting system is called Miracle beam, they are fully submersible and give a great effect...and yes they are safe.

[Damon]

Plants do need a rest period. (Dark time) all living things do. Nighttime is when plants grow. They work during the day and reap the rewards at night. Leaving the lights on 24 hrs a day will not allow a plant to build its cells up. But they would quit photosynthesizing after a day period (6-14 hrs depending on species). How would you function with light 24 hrs a day. Just ask a third shift worker how it feels when they make that change Some even put sheets up over curtains to remove all light from the room while they sleep.

[predator]

I have eyes... a blind person would function fine...

-me

[predator]

Per a sister of friend who has a masters in plant physiology:

"Plants do not need dark as long as they are given plenty of nutrients to allow them to continue constant photosynthesis. Flowering plants do however need light/dark cycles for mating purposes."

-me

[Damon]

Do you realize how many aquatic plants flower? (More than you think)...

http://www.newton.dep.anl.gov/askasc...0/bot00536.htm