http://forum.aqua-fish.net/ A forum devoted to aquarium fish, plants, techniques and fish keeping as a whole. en http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#1 I'm still learning about taking care of my fish so please bare with me. I was just wondering how often do I need to have the light on for the fish. I've noticed that when the light is off they swim but, not so much as when the light is on. Thats when they really move. Is that normal? jab200175 2008-06-02 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#2 It is normal. Some species are just shy. I keep Tetras for example. Black skirt and bloodfin ones. Both species are very shy and they're more active when the light is turned off. In comparison to these species, my Corydoras Panda are active always. They're not shy and they don't care if there are my hands doing something in the aquarium. The light should be turned on for 10-12 hours each day. I am using timers. jan 2008-06-02 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#3 to be honest the light is there for the keepers ,not the fish.As posted if the fish are a timid species then it will affect them. The only exception to this is in the case of plabted tanks where the plants need the light for growth,or reef tanks where the light is needed for the corals to survive. mickey 2008-06-02 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#4 I just have to add my two cents: I've noticed that my fish think it's time to sleep when the lights are out and it's completely dark. But if you have the aquarium near a window where indirect light can filter in then you shouldn't have to leave your lights on all day, even if you have plants. I like to turn the light on at dusk and leave it on until I go to bed so that they are awake when I am. meliss_cole 2008-06-03 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#5 planted tanks need light.At least 1 watt per gallon,minimum of 10 hours per day.If algae is starting to be a problem then they can be reduced by one hour. Sorry to disagree but aquariums should not be placed near windows where sunlight can reach them. mickey 2008-06-03 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#6 aquariums should not be placed near windows This may depend on what you keep in such aquariums. I have one bowl near window, but it's without any fish. Only Ramshorn snails and plants. Long time ago I put an egg of Panda Cory there and the small fish survived . My girlfriend spotted her (or him...) once it was approximately 1 cm in length. Later I moved that fish to the Pandas aquarium and now it lives happily with other Pandas . I love these little cories . jan 2008-06-05 http://forum.aqua-fish.net/?topic=what-about-the-fish-tank-light-#7 yes but I still maintain the old equation sunlight + tank= algae glad your panda made it,love them fish. mickey 2008-06-09