Lighting schedule

[kevinh]

How many hours does everyone have there light on per day? I turn mine on when i get home from work at 5:30 or so and turn them off around 10-10:30. Should i have them come on durn mid day or so? My plants are plastic so dont need them on for live plants.

Kevin

[alexrex20]

Do the tanks get any natural sunlight, even the slightest bit?

On my Neolamp savoryi species tank (African Lake Tanganyika cichlids), I don't use a light at all. There's enough light from the windows and ceiling lights that the fish actually seem to prefer it. The same with my catfish tank - no light at all.

I would recommend you keep the light on only when someone is home to view it. At the least, use a timer so the fish have a regular light schedule.

[jeb102385]

any amount of time is really fine. i have ran lights on my planted tank for less than that. i would just keep it on while your home to enjoy it. i would suggest a timer just to make it easier on you and you can get them for like 4 or 5 from home depot or wal mart. but that is preference as well!!

[kevinh]

They tank is in my dinning room and that window has 90% solar screens on it and has a 15' porch coming off the house.So, it stays pretty dark through out the day unless im home

[jeb102385]

Still stand by my advice

[troy tucker]

All my tanks are on timers. Even the Crab in my Grandbabys room has one. Most come on at 7:am. They go off at 9: pm. The baby takes a nap everyday at noon and her tank takes a nap with her. I never have to touch it. the times does all the work. Do they need the lights on that long? No they don't but thats the way I like to do it.