Light recommendations

[bhath19]

What is the amount of time I should leave the aquarium light on each day? I've heard having too little, or too much light can cause algae to grow easier.

 

[urville]

most tropical areas experience a 12-14 hour day. i run about 14 hours, but i have alot of plants too. what kind of lighting are we talking? is this a fish only tank? much depends on your individual setup.

 

[Mofo2713]

bhath, you should put your aqaurium specs in your sig so we can help you easier when you have a question... http://www.aquariumadvice.com/profile.php?mode=editprofile

 

[hashbaz]

10 to 12 seems like the general consensus for planted tanks. Your particular tank might be different, and if so - hopefully someone else will pipe in.

More than this is not supposed to help your plants but will increase the algae. Personally, I would assume that less light = less algae, but of course there will be exceptions.

 

[Mofo2713]

Since you only have a 5 gal you can't have too many plants in there. Do you even have any plants? Regardless, 10 hours max should be fine for you.

 

[Psyhampster]

if you have no real plants, do the fish care if the light is on for a set period?