When should I turn on my tank's light?

**mhanson47** · 11-08-2013, 01:15 PM

Hello all,
As i am new to the online aquarium community, please forgive me if a similar topic has already been posted. I am pleased to be connecting with you all.
I've come with a question regarding the issue of lighting my tank. I have a planted 10 gallon freshwater tank which is currently home to 1 male swordfish, 1 siamese flying fox, 1 crab, and a single ghost shrimp.
When I set up my tank I placed it next to a windowsill. It doesn't get much (if any) direct sunlight, but around 6 A.M. (when the sun rises where I live at this time of year) it definitely gets some indirect light.
My questions is when should I turn on the light? I leave my house around 6:30 in the morning and dont get home normally until around 2:30. I`ve been turning it on when I get home and turning it off before i go to bed at 10 p.m. because I like to enjoy the tank with its light on while I am home. However, I want to use the most optimal lighting for my fishes happiness and health, I also worry that the indirect sunlight the tank gets while I`m away added to the around 8 hours of articial light the tank gets while I`m home may be overwhelming.
So, does anyone have any input or suggestions to help? It would be much appreciated :)

**Slaphppy7** · 11-08-2013, 01:32 PM

Hello and welcome to the AC!

I think what you are doing now will be ok as long as you have no algae issues...my tank is in front of a window too, but the window blind stays closed at all times, and I still have bits of algae here and there

**KingFisher** · 11-08-2013, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by Slaphppy7

Hello and welcome to the AC!

I think what you are doing now will be ok as long as you have no algae issues...my tank is in front of a window too, but the window blind stays closed at all times, and I still have bits of algae here and there

I agree. It sounds like the tank is still getting plenty of dark time with what you are doing now.

**Byron** · 11-08-2013, 03:59 PM

Just watch the tank for algae. The main issue with window lighting is controlling it. It varies from day to day due to the time of year, clouds, etc. Algae is always waiting for the opportunity to take advantage.

A word on your fish though. Is this a temporary or permanent home for the swordtail and Siamese Algae Eater? Both cannot last in a 10g. And I have read reliable sources who do not recommend crabs with fish, so I toss that out too.

Byron.

**mhanson47** · 11-08-2013, 06:48 PM

Thanks guys! I will continue doing what I have been. As for my fish, I understand that I will have to eventually find a different home for the siamese, but I dont understand whats wrong with the swordtail or the crab in the ten gallon. Would you mind clarifying please?

**Byron** · 11-09-2013, 04:35 PM

Originally Posted by mhanson47

Thanks guys! I will continue doing what I have been. As for my fish, I understand that I will have to eventually find a different home for the siamese, but I dont understand whats wrong with the swordtail or the crab in the ten gallon. Would you mind clarifying please?

The swordtail will grow (or should, in sufficient space) to 4-5 inches; they can attain 6 inches. This means no less than a 30-inch tank.

On the siamese, "eventually" is not very good. I would remove this now. It is going to have to be taken out so it is better earlier rather than later, which may be too late.

The crab I will leave for others with more experience to comment, but I understand these crustaceans are not good with fish.

On the fish size issue, the tank space from the beginning is extremely important. Fish grow continually, both externally (physical size) and internally (organ development). In a too small space for proper development, stunting can occur. Aside from this, the fish are highly stressed by their environment when space is limited. This not only affects growth, but their immune system, temperament, etc. I learned a good maxim some time back which I always follow. Never acquire a fish for which you do not now at the time of acquisition have a suitable tank to house it at full maturity. Nothing less is fair to the fish, as they cannot "change" just because we choose to provide inadequate care.

Byron.