To switch of or not!

Hi.Last night I had some visitors staying over and upon seeing my tank a discussing began on lights. What do you say? Do I switch them off at night or not?:wondering:

 

I think 12 hours with lights on is the rule ... pls correct me

 

What is the thought behind splitting the light on time in to two.

 

You split the light times so you can enjoy the light while in front of the tank and not waste electricity while sitting at work.

 

Then the position of the tank should be such, that it receives loads of natural light during the day while the light are off.

 

but no direct sunlight as it will promote algae growth

 

There has been a lot of people experimenting with a midday "siesta" period in an attempt to get rid of algae. Plants respond almost immediately to lights coming on, while algae takes a while. That is the reason behind the idea. But it can only work if the tank is in a very dark room so that it gets no light during this siesta period.

No it should be as dark as possible

 

Lighting should be on for a max of 12 hours a day, mine is also on for 3 hours in the morning and 6 hours in the evening. Your lighting should be as close as possible to what natural day / night cycles and intensity are for optimum plant growth and fish health.

Unless Eskom says otherwise.......

 

Hmm, with my recent algae growth I dropped my light time considerably, but maybe the two cycles do make more sense.

 

All the more reason to put the lights onto a timer. Will be investing in one soon.

 

Thanks guys.The tank is in a dark spot in the house it helps with nuisance algae growth be cos it get no natural sun light. i have up grade to 18w plant grow t8 and going to fit a timer ,my time sickle will switch the lights of at 10pm and back on at 6am.

 

thats a long photo period . u should try to keep it under 12hours

 

thanks Reafer

 

Thanks guys. Reading all the answers I came to the conclution, switch off.