Lighting at night

[ndtyank49]

Since i don't have a black light on my tank, is it ok that my tank is completely in the dark when i go to bed?

 

[Fishkeeper26]

Yes, moonlights are just an aesthetic appeal for freshwater

 

[fadetoblack06]

Does it make a difference for sleeping of the fish or not? I want to get one set up in my tank so I can see them at night especially my pleco.

 

[Convict2161]

I think a good rule of thumb is you should your fish some dark time. This is JMO but my light is set to completely power off at 12am. I don't turn my lights back on until about 5-6pm. Then it cycles from morning, daylight, evening, moonlight then off. But I have a digital timer on my fixture which allows me to set all different times for different lights. Same can be accomplished with store bought timers.

But again. To answer your question I like to give my guys total darkness for a while. I mean wouldn't you want a nice dark night to sleep or maybe stalk?

 

[Koikid88]

Is it stressful for the fish if they are in a windowless room, and when you turn the tank lights on, they flicker before going on?

Mine flicker, for 4-7 times before actually turning on.
So in the morning, I turn the room light on for a bit before turning the tank light on to try and minimize the shock of having a seizure light show for the fish

 

[Convict2161]

Is it stressful for the fish if they are in a windowless room, and when you turn the tank lights on, they flicker before going on?

Mine flicker, for 4-7 times before actually turning on.
So in the morning, I turn the room light on for a bit before turning the tank light on to try and minimize the shock of having a seizure light show for the fish

Agreed, turn room lights on first or open shades, curtains. Let natural light in then turn your lights on. I go from blue to blue/clear then all daylight then back down till I get to moonlight.