Aquarium Lights

[carebear]

I was wondering...initially I had algae bloom. So, I turned out the lights for the next couple of weeks and eradicated it. Now I'm wondering, is there any reason to have the lights on in the aquarium anyhow? Is there any benefit to the fish? I don't have any live plants. I would prefer to conserve energy if there is no valid reason. Any comments??

[sailor]

Except for planted fw tanks or reef sw tanks the use of lights are really not a required thing unless the tank is in a room that recieves no natural light at all. The lighting is for our enjoyment not the fish. If I'm not home I don't turn on any aquarium lighting except my planted tanks and sw tank.

[carebear]

Wonderful...thanks!!

[randompete]

I'll agree with that. Fish do need to have a daily cycle, just like people, in order to be at their best. This can be accomplished with normal daylight, so your light can stay off. If you have algae eaters you would do well to leave your light on a few hours a day to grow some food for them. If you don't, then no problem.

Another thing to think about is that different types of algae have different light requirements, and with no plants you may expect to see some algae growth even under low light conditions. ([Only Registered Users Can See Links.]) Still, I wouldn't worry about a lowlight algae problem unless you see the stuff return to your tank.

[carebear]

What I've really enjoyed is NO algae growth. Just less to maintain on the tank. The fish do get sufficient daylight in the room and I can still enjoy watching them! Thanks for the advice!!