Blanket Over Aquarium?

[Hulka9]

Im in college and my sleeping schedule is a lot later than most people. I dont wake up until around 11 or 12 and dont sleep until 2 or 3 am most nights. I like turning on the aquarium light after I wake up so i can actually enjoy the tank and turn it off around 10-11 at night. Problem is, the tank is in a well lit room. Come 6-7 am its pretty bright and I feel my fish don't get as long of a night as they should. Especially with my tv on until i go to sleep. I was thinking of putting a blanket over it when i turn the light off until morning when i wake up so it stays dark. My only concern is that the blanket could cut off some oxygen getting to the water. I know when we are under a blanket it is gets hard to breathe for us. Any thoughts?

 

[tomtom14]

I don't see any problem with this as long as you have something in the tank that will oxygenate the water. Like an air pump, plants or a decent amount of surface movement.

 

[Scottyhorse]

The filter should provide enough oxygen. If you run a bubbler, then you will be fine for sure. But I don't really see a problem

 

[Hulka9]

I have a pretty strong power filter and quite a bit of plants. From what i've read though at night the plants convert oxygen to co2 though dont they?

 

[ScotJudd]

Unfortunately only a trial will tell but if the Co2 levels rise every night. Your fish may not die but may become slowly weakened. Just a possibility. I would put in an air stone so that you're pumping in air during blackout. That is what I would do.
I did have a smile at the thought of you tucking your fish up for the night - now that is really pampering your fish

 

[Scottyhorse]

I don't think there would be a problem, honestly.

 

[ChunkOvPayne]

I had the same sleeping pattern a few years ago and I used to throw a towel over it, it had an air pump and a trickle filter and all my fish were in really good health

 

[Hulka9]

Okay thanks for the advice. Last night went fine. They aren't dead! Haha

 

[ChunkOvPayne]

Honestly there's nothing to worry about