light timing

[dpeipus]

I have a 20 long low-light planted tank with water sprite. 37 watts of fluorscent lighting. Question is how long should I keep my lights on a day to promote growth and fight aglae? I have them on a timer now from 8 to 12 and again from 3 to 9.

[gm72]

You will want to mimic what the plants would have in nature, so cutting off the lights interrupts the photosynthesis and is not recommended. Most of us keep our lights on between 8 and 10 hours a day.

[Zilla]

Try 10 hours and if that starts to cause problems, bring it down to 8. I have 36 watts over my 20 long and I haven't had a problem with 8 hour photo periods.

[Sarkazmo]

You can also do short photo periods. like I do 4 hours on then 4 hours off. This helps to cut down the algae as algae doesn't adapt well to short photo periods but you still end up with plenty of light for the plants and fish and plenty of viewing time. This suits me great as I don't have a regular sleep schedule so no matter when I'm up I at least get some viewing time in.

Sark