Lighting requirements for Mbuna/peacocks

[FrankoQ]

Kind of a basic question but I need to ask.
are there special lighting requirements for cichlids?
I don't mean the type of light, but the amount.

Do you have the lights on all day?
Do you go pitch black at night or partial light?

Here is what I'm currently doing:
- natural light from the morning to 5pm
- 5pm to 9pm: lights on (T5 bulb fixtures run by a timer)
- 9pm to the next day: pitch black. no lights at all.

What is everyone else routine?

Thanks

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Lights aren't necessary but you want consistent periods of light. I turn mine on at around 9am and turn the fixtures off at around 8pm. Anywhere from 8-12 hours of light is a good cycle.

 

[Tieberion]

I go with whatever season/time it is. Lights go on a little after sunrise, and go off at dusk just before sunset year round (using LED's).