light on my fish tank

[mollykins]

the light and pump on my coldwater fishtank are on separate cables meaning i can turn the light off whilst keeping the pump running, is there certain times when i should turn the light off ie night time or summer time?

[kjc]

The light is there for your plants to grow, presumably that you have real plants. If you only have artificial then the light is only for you to see your fish.
try to imitate daytime with your light. I put my lights on (although I have tropical fish) around 11.00am and switch them off when I go to bed.

[mollykins]

ahh. . . I only have fake plants.

Last night i turned it off when i went to bed and then about and hour after when my dad went to bed he switched the rooms light off. I supose doing it my way is more realistic (not critercising you as you may do this) because the light gradually goes off.

[kjc]

well yes, that was ok to do it that way. I didn't mean I plunge them into instant darkness......lol.
A few real plants would help in your tank and they are quite cheap to buy, and can be quite pretty.
Is this the first time you have had fish? One golden rule, which many people make the mistake of too, is try not to overfeed your fish. I only feed mine every other day. too much uneaten food in the tank rots away and causes pollution.
another tip is to buy a fish magazine now and again, they have lots of tips in them. Practicle Fishkeeping is the best.
happy fishkeeping.............. :-)

[kjc]

sorry.............spelt it wrong.
Practical Fishkeeping.
:-)

[bessieboo5]

All my fishtanks are on timers for their lights - saves you having to switch them on and off manually,

[mollykins]

my greedy fantail finishes all the food off.

if it puts a bit of food in its mouth then sees another bit, its spits the first bit out eats the second bit then eats the first one again.

i only have a very smal ltank, wouldn't a real plant even small at first take up lots of room?

[mollykins]

and when i go on holiday, should i leave the light off?