lighting

[fishnewbe420]

Ok so I have a hand full of low light plants and I just got a timer for the lights becouse I know I leave them on to much as is. But I don't know how long to have them on for. Is an 8 to 8 to long??

 

[richpowell1989]

I have mine on 4 hours then off for 3 hours then back on for another 5 hours I have never had trouble at all

 

[GodFan]

Mine stays on sometimes 14+ hours... oops.... Everything was fine though. I leave mine on at least 12 hours usually.

 

[barterking85]

A natural photo period is best IMO try to mimic nature

 

[jetajockey]

I would not try to mimic nature as far as photoperiod goes, sunrise-sunset is way too long unless you don't care about having the tank covered in algae. Shoot for 8 hours, 10 at the most.

 

[bruinsbro1997]

IMO I usually leave my lights on average around 8 hours a day, sometimes 5 hours, others 10 hours, sometimes none at all, and the plants are still fine.

 

[barterking85]

I would not try to mimic nature as far as photoperiod goes, sunrise-sunset is way too long unless you don't care about having the tank covered in algae. Shoot for 8 hours, 10 at the most.

I don't know where your from but we get around 10 hrs of day light here

 

[fishnewbe420]

Ok thanx for all the input guys

 

[jetajockey]

Ah, yeah I didn't think about winter time, we get about 10 hours this time of year also, but about 12hrs in the summer.

 

[barterking85]

Ok right on anyways I go around 8-10 hrs depending on the tank only had an algea problem in one that I am still battling I say trial and error might be your best bet

 

[GodFan]

Mine usually stay on close to 14 hours.... If Im up (or my family) we like to see the fish lol The one tank has fast algae growth but not too bad.

 

[mfdrookie516]

Mine are on for 7 hours. That's what I've found works best for me. Every tank is different, so you'll need to find what works best for YOU.

 

[fishnewbe420]

Mine usually stay on close to 14 hours.... If Im up (or my family) we like to see the fish lol The one tank has fast algae growth but not too bad.

Lol that sounds like my house

 

[GodFan]

lol thats whi I want an algae eater of some kind lol