So we have a fish aquarium, and today I noticed my mom shut off all of their lights. She said she "felt sorry for them because it’s daytime for them 24/7"
Is there any truth to this, does it matter to turn the lights off, and should you turn them off?
Thanks!
As usual, Mom’s are wise, even if she doesn’t know the exact reasons, she is correct.
Fish do prefer a normal day/night cycle just like we do.
Having the lights on 24/7 will just give you stressed fish and LOTS of algae.
Run the lights for 8-12 hours per day if you have live plants, if you don’t have live plants then the lights are only to help you see the fish better. Many fish actually prefer a lower light level and do fine by normal room lighting.
Ian
turn the lights off only at night
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Yes turn off the lights at night fish need there rest also.
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I believe fish get "scared" or "stressed" when they are in pitch dark, depending on the fish.
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If you have fish that normally eat at night you can actually starve them by keeping the light on. Other than that I don’t think it really matters much unless you have plants. Plants do best if they have regular "daylight" hours. Turning the light off at night will definitely not harm your fish in any way.
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As usual, Mom’s are wise, even if she doesn’t know the exact reasons, she is correct.
Fish do prefer a normal day/night cycle just like we do.
Having the lights on 24/7 will just give you stressed fish and LOTS of algae.
Run the lights for 8-12 hours per day if you have live plants, if you don’t have live plants then the lights are only to help you see the fish better. Many fish actually prefer a lower light level and do fine by normal room lighting.
Ian
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depends on what kind of fish you have and how many "hiding spots" there is for them. i have aggressive fish that the light is on for them for about 4 hours a day.. they’re agressive and the light may make them feel insecure. i have a pleco that hides most of the day and comes out to eat after the light is off. my betta is more active when the light in my other tank is on 24/7 and my black fin tetra love light as well
agressive fish and plecos do better in dark while others may do better in light 
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It actually does matter for a couple of reasons.
First, it’s true; fish do need their rest too. When you notice that they are swimming in place, it means that they are resting on a level that is equal to our sleeping. And it would help if the light is off for them to rest better.
Second, leaving your aquarium lights on for more than 6 hours a day can result in algae infestation. It helps them grow like crazy and before you know it, it’s all over the place! So if you can maybe remember, try not to turn on the lights until the afternoon and then turn them off sometime when you can remember at night.
Good luck!
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Most fish need to have a day and night. Fish aquariums have lights in them so they can provide a daytime and a nighttime. Think about fish in natural situations, such as lakes and oceans. The sun rises, and the sun sets. Therefore, when your aquarium comes with a light at the top, you should turn it off at night.
The following site below, gives details as the "natural" light is to set up your tank near a window where they can get the sun, taking into consideration how much exposure, we wouldnt want to cook our little friends. And also ways for light with bulbs. The tank in my bedroom is set to natural light, while the one in the living room is on bulbs. All fish and creatures need a sleeping time, and gives nocturnal species time to come out also, when its dark
ope this helps
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http://www.fishtankpet.com/aquarium-light/aquarium-lights-real-deal
Turn the lights off at night.
If you get algae then just leave them on only for 8 hours a day.
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Yes. The light should only be left on for 8-12 hours a day, turn it off at night.
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—It’s all about replicating their natural environment,, the sun sets ,,, the day is over,,, do you sleep with your bedroom lights on?
—How old are you? Yes, your mother is right
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Mom’s know everything
In the wild does it get dark at night? Yes, so they need to be turned off at night! Why you may ask, well, Fish sleep and do to the fact that the don’t have eyelids they sleep with their eyes open. And they can’t sleep if the lights are turned on, so yes turn them off at night.
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You should not have the lights on for more than about 12 hours a day, maximum.
Like the rest of us, fish need a dark period so they can get some rest.
Mother knows best in this case.
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Turning off the light at night is ok as long as the temperature of the water doesn’t drop significantly! I recommend getting a stick on thermometer to monitor their habitat! After an hour or so after turning the light off check the temperature. Fish are cold blooded, drastic changes in temperature may harm their metabolism and get them sick! Just make sure the temperature stays between 75-82 degrees and you may turn the lights off at night. Don’t forget to turn the lights back on during the day!
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Petsmart.com
Lights on for 8-12 hours a day……………
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