Do I need to turn off the lights?

[rangedg]

I have a heavily planted 50 gal aquarium and lately Ive been leaving the lights on and I feel that Ive gotten more plant growth, I havent had a problem with algae even though my tank is well established (up for 3-4 months), and water evaporation is not a problem to me. So Ive been wondering if it is healthy for my fish to just leave the lights on all the time. I guess the only fish I worry about are the upside-down catfish and the kuhli loaches. I rarely see the upside-down catfish and I was wondering if since their nocturnal that if leaving the lights on will he hazardous for their health.
Thanks
rangedg

 

[stotty]

I have a heavily planted 50 gal aquarium and lately Ive been leaving the lights on and I feel that Ive gotten more plant growth, I havent had a problem with algae even though my tank is well established (up for 3-4 months), and water evaporation is not a problem to me. So Ive been wondering if it is healthy for my fish to just leave the lights on all the time. I guess the only fish I worry about are the upside-down catfish and the kuhli loaches. I rarely see the upside-down catfish and I was wondering if since their nocturnal that if leaving the lights on will he hazardous for their health.
Thanks
rangedg

I have answered this one before” Most all fish spend time in an energy-saving state that can be called
"Rest" and we might even call their behaviour "sleep", though it is probably different than "sleep"

Also the fish you mention are nocturnal and yes they require the dark for them to feel happy in there feeding. You must let them have some up time and you’re other fish some down time.

 

[fishmaven]

Your fish may find areas within the tank dark enough to be considered dark. They may do fine.

If you don't see your catfish it's because they get enough food without coming out when you feed. It's not because they're nocturnal. If they were hungry they'd be foraging for food, day or night. Their big eyes just allow them to see better in the dark than other fish.

Your plants will eventually deform. This isn't exactly how it works but it's close... the top of the leaf grows during the day and the underside catches up at night. If plants get daylight ALL DAY, EACH DAY the leaves are going to be malformed. They may be pleasing to look at and green but if you look closely they won't look natural.

Basically, your fish and your plants benefit from having a daylight and nighttime period.

 

[HarleyK]

Howdy,

Leaving the lights on a tank on 24/7 is a problem. The KGB used the human equivalent for interrogations. Do your fish a favor and get a cheapo timer from Home Depot.

HarleyK

 

[Dr Joe]

Howdy,

Leaving the lights on a tank on 24/7 is a problem. The KGB used the human equivalent for interrogations. Do your fish a favor and get a cheapo timer from Home Depot.

HarleyK

Plants as well as fish need a rest period. Almost everything can be forced to live under unusual circumstances but not forever. If you extend the light cycle and or raise the amount of light, make sure your fish have a place to hide ie deep caves and large overhangs with non-reflecting substrate in them. White PVC pipe should have the interior painted a dark color.

Dr Joe

.

 

[davo]

id do 12 hours light 12 hours dark max, although you could do a bit more light if you want

 

[ewurm]

Your fish need rest too.

 

[RadleyMiller]

I second the cheapo timer from Home Depot, they need to rest. If you want to watch them at night, get a red bulb.

 

[rangedg]

(I dont know how to quote that last post)
Ive seen some pictures of blue light being used, what is the difference between blue and red as a night light? is it just preference or the fish get better rest with red?

 

[MilitantPotato]

Personal perference. Just don't use the UV lights

Either make a DIY cold cathode moonlight (around $25 total costs) or buy an LED setup for 50 on up. Cold cathodes look better IMO, plus you can adjust the brightness if you use an adjustable AC/DC coverter.