How important is light for Cichlids

[breidohrimania]

Hey guys, I just wanted to see how important lights are to a non planted aquarium? My fish has been without a light since I got him over a year ago. He gets freaked out when I put the light on and will not come out unless I turn it off. Am I hurting my fish by giving in to his demands .

It is really not an issue for me, I mean it would be nice to see the fish with the lights turned on but I guess there has to be some compromise in this hobby.

 

[Aweshade9]

lights aren't important, but the fish will just have adjust to it. It should get used to the lights, mine did

 

[Aquanero]

Lights are for us, ambiant room light is enough for the fish. It should have some day night cycle so as long as it's not in total darkness it will be fine.

 

[breidohrimania]

There is plenty of light coming from the outside and the lights that are on in the living room. Seems to be amply but just wanted to ask.

By the way Aquanero, how big is that midevil in your avatar? He/She is gorgeous.

 

[duanes]

This may be no more than aesthetic, but
This was my male haitiensus in normal color

He was being eaten alive by his fry, so I put him in an unlit non glass tank for a month because it was the largest space I had available, this is how he came out

 

[Aquanero]

There is plenty of light coming from the outside and the lights that are on in the living room. Seems to be amply but just wanted to ask.

By the way Aquanero, how big is that midevil in your avatar? He/She is gorgeous.

He was just around the 14" mark, thanks. His name was Psycho I lost him during Sandy.