Light timing

[1006]

Hi There,

I just set up an aquarium like 2 weeks ago, and im noticing that the gravel is getting a little bit green.. Whats the perfect balanced light recomendations? i believe mine stays on for 10hrs... is that too much?

[KcEE]

Could you tell us more about your tank? Is it a planted tank? Has it been cycled? What size? How many fish? What are your parameters?

[1006]

Well its a 4 footer, fake plants and fish inside. Yes it has been cycled also

[richberstler]

I have my light on longer than that, but I also try to protect my tank from getting sunlight. I've noticed in the past a tank which takes a good amount of sunlight always ends up with algae. Perhaps that's just my bad luck tho...

[MeganL3985]

Is your tank in natural sunlight? I think its a little odd to have that much noticeable growth of algae, in just 2 weeks of setting up a tank. If there is no natural sunlight on the tank, then I would limit your lighting to 6-8 hrs.

[hungryhound]

Well its a 4 footer, fake plants and fish inside. Yes it has been cycled also


Since you have no plants in your tank you are not required to have a set amount of light. 10 hours is way to long.

How much of the time is the light on when you are not around. Only turn the light on when you are there and that should help out immensely.


The fish honestly do not need any light. They are used to living in murkey lake and river water, and the ambient light from your room will be enough for them.

[~Erik3.8.07~]

I had an algea problem a while back too when i first set up my 46, it was all because my tank sits right in front of the window, I ended up going out and buying a background for the tank and it blocked the light enough and solved the problem. If blocking the sunlight doesnt work leave the light off for a few days and it should kill the algea.

[squirt_12]

what colour of gravel do you have aswell???? the gravel will get some algae on it so if it is white then it is very noticable.....you could get a couple of oto cats to solve the problem.

[kurly]

My 2.5 gallon tank has white gravel and the algae has really been showing up alot lately. I wish the tank was large enough for an oto cat but it's not so I guess I'll just have to leave the lights off for a couple of days and hope that will cut back on the algae.

[mitcore]

i have mine one from 7:30am to 8:00 pm

[Lady Hobbs]

I also have the lights on in my unplanted tanks for about 14 hours a day. 8 hours in the planted.

[A340]

I also have the lights on in my unplanted tanks for about 14 hours a day. 8 hours in the planted.
Sorry, maybe too late and my eyes are getting all wonky, but shouldn't that be vice versa Hobbs?