Dimming Lights

[Kyle383]

Hello everyone. I am thinking my lights in my tank are too bright for my RBP's. They have plenty of cover and plants but still seem to be really skiddish untill the lights are off. Does anyone have any ideas to dim the lights a bit to maybe help this problem?
Thanks for looking.

Kyle.

 

[BRUNER247]

Use a shorter light, maybe only light half of tank.maybe space the light up a few inches.lots of floating plants.get duckweed?tint your top where light sits? Lots of plants, dark gravel, dark backgrounds is the key I think. GL

 

[Kyle383]

Thank you for the input. What could i use to tint the lights that would be safe from overheating the lights or melting or something dangerous like that lol

 

[Tango374]

I used to purchase colored celephane from craft stores to tint the light....as well as change the color of the light output, over the tank. Cheap and it completely changes the feel of the tank.
I just want to add that with time, your fish will grow accustomed to the light above the tank. There's really not much you can do with how skittish reds are other then wait for years and years for them to grow out of it.
Also, really recommend getting a timer for the lights if you don't already.

 

[Kyle383]

Thanks. Ill try to find some slightly tinted celephane. I have a timer set up to turn the lights on before the room starts to get dark and to turn off at midnight.

 

[BRUNER247]

I disagree with all rbp are skittish n just wait for years n years to calm down.

 

[ballinouttacntrol]

I disagree with all rbp are skittish n just wait for years n years to calm down.

I'd toss mine if it took years and years. lol. I think MOST of us will agree it depends on the fish(s) personality and the tank set up and the owners behavior/patterns

 

[Zander_The_RBP]

i say don't dim your lights just let the piranhas get used to them you should've bought them under the pretense that they may be skittish and reclusive their whole lives so this behaviour should be no surprise to you.


Leave the lights on as normal and just let your piranhas adjust to them. they might get more outgoing (mine did) or they may not)



Heck in nature they get real sunlight which is a hell of a lot brighter than your measely flourescent tubes even after you factor in cloudy water(in nature).

 

[Tango374]

I'm sorry. Not all reds are skittish. especially when young.
Just the majority.

Years and years was kind of extreme though.

 

[sbuse]

i had mine for 3yrs and it wasn't skiddish ever...just after it switched off blood worms it never ate in front of me...i had it for 3 years, then my mom killed it when she was fish sitting...did a water change with hot water...i don't recomend using hot water to change your tank...not so good for the fish...now she nows...