Newbie lighting question

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twestacott

Aquarium Advice Activist
Joined
Jan 15, 2012
Messages
112
I have a quick newbie question. Do fish require the lights for the tank to be on or can you just leqve the lights off unless you are looking at the fish? (This is a basement tanks so not a ton of sunlight)
 
They need day and night just like we do. Keep the lighting consistent. Try to get at least 8 hours of light (16 hours of dim or no light) or at least 8 hours of no light (lighting for the other 16 hours but you have high chance of algae problems).

Light does not necessarily mean that you will need to keep the hood lights on. You can also get a steady amount of light from room light (ie sunlight from nearby window or a lamp close to the tank).
 
So if the tank is in my walkout basement would that be enough light during daytime hours? There is a patio door and a big window so there is enough light during the day down there that you can do whatever you need without turning on lights. (Think shady under a tree)
 
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