lighting cycles?

[planetgirth]

In a fowlr system does the light cycle need to be 12-12? Or is 13 or 14 hours on too much? Also does the tank have to be pitch black in the night cycle? What are the bad effects if their are any?

thanks

 

[shinosuke]

I don't think it needs to be exactly 12-12, I would think that a few hours less would actually be better. I'm sure you can go a bit more without too many ramifications (sp?), though, besides maybe some increased algae growth.
I would say that it doesn't need to be PITCH dark during the night cycle, but you would want it pretty dark. I would think that if there's enough light so it would make you uncomfortable to sleep in, your fish would feel the same.
On the other hand, I'm no expert!
~Adam D.

 

[planetgirth]

thanks for the info. that is pretty much what i thought. i might still put a dark sheet over the tank during their night cycle, since i dont have it turning on until about noon.