serious photoperiod issue-need experienced help!

[acrouse]

I have my tanks (100gl & quarintine) set up across the room from a patio door downstairs. About 25ft from the door. My lights in the large tank
atinic 03s 11am-11pm
full spectrum flourscents 12pm-10pm
the quarintine tank
flourscents 9am-9pm

This gives each tank a 12 hour photoperiod. my problem is that I have noticed my chromis in the qt tank start searching for food with the natural sunlight around 6-6:30am. So I am concerned that they are having a photoperiod of approximately 15hrs. The door is on the north side, so no direct light on tanks at all. the cleanup crew in the large tank show little movement until the lights come on so the large tank should be ok. I was told the light coming in the door would not effect the fish when I set up the tank, now I'm concerned lfs was incorrect. Also, I set the photoperiod up at this time so it works out for feeding before work, and some enjoyment time after work in the evenings. Am I stressing these fish? Does the little bit of natural sunlight start the photoperiod? Thanks for the experienced help and input.

Jolene

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I do not think there is anything wrong with a longer photoperiod, as long as there is a dark period.

 

[acrouse]

Thank you Randy- there is a 9hr dark period with no lights at all.

 

[Sk8r]

I live in the north and we have the same problem. I have a bit of a cave in my structure, where fish can rest from light. The mandarin is up before anyone, hunting early copepods, with world-dawn at 6-something. The actinic lights don't come on until 8. At about 7:30 the chromis starts to move out and the firefish show up in front, but they don't really start to move until the mh goes on at 9, at which hour the gobies start their day. Come world-dark, we're home to enjoy the tank, and the mh light lasts until 8, at which point the fish gradually head for their night-spots. Lights go out at 9, with ambient room light, but the fish ignore that and go to their sleeping spots. I don't think it stresses them, since they have a choice. The early hunters want to get up with their food. Chromis are kind of nervous fish anyway, and if one moves, all move. This means they're almost constantly going somewhere. They're just not going to settle until they have a bigger environment, IMHO.

 

[acrouse]

I have limited hiding in my qt-just the basics-so I'm glad to know they will be ok until moved to the large tank. I plan to qt 4-6 weeks. Still trying to decide how long to run copper. I have read sooooo much and have gotten many different opinions, Im still not sure. Just want whats best for the fish-thanks again Jolene

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I've never treated fish with copper, so I don't have a recommendation on how long to use it.

Thank you Randy

You're welcome.

Good luck.

 

[Sk8r]

My own opinion---I don't qt, because I think it does stress the fish too much and makes the appearance of disease far more likely---a self-fulfilling prophecy. I wouldn't use copper unless I saw disease evident on a fish in qt. But before you personally join me in my non-qt, no-copper madness, let me state---I don't buy fish I haven't inspected. I've been at this a long time and I know what to look for. I don't buy species prone to ailments. Yes, I've had ich in the main tank---but I've never lost a fish to it, not in decades: if it breaks out after entry into the tank, they get over it, with mild remedies like garlic. And yes, the parasite is probably lurking, but I get no breakouts. I keep the fish count very low in the display, I do not get highly territorial species (fin-nipping creates perpetual wounds that are worse for disease outbreaks than not qt'ing, imho.) And I don't have disease. I have five nanofish, may get a couple more for my 52. I try to feed a range of things, encourage fish to hunt for their food (copepods) as much as possible, etc, so they get something like their natural diet...meaning I know I walk a tightrope every time I get a new fish, but I plan for my fish to live for years and years: so I'll run about 5-7 risks, over all, and hope to win all of them.

The proponents of qt are absolutely right: qt's safer for the tank. And I'm right: it's hard on the fish in qt. And I absolutely agree with the pro-qt side where it's a question of unknown fish sources and species notoriously prone to ailments.

If you were to follow my questionable example and then have a disaster, I'd feel terrible. I think you should keep after an answer about copper and qt, because I don't think I'm able to give a good informed answer on that one.

 

[acrouse]

Thanks for the opinion-it makes sense what you are saying but I feel as a beginner, I need to qt. However, it maybe that I should not just automatically use copper unless I see an outbreak. I will continue to do more reading and asking about the use of copper, because I feel the least amount of chemicals used is best! I also am going to limit my display to small amt. of fish.My 100gl will proabably have 8 total with 7 of them not over 3in. long. I still have alot to learn and really appreciate all the great information. It gives me a different perspective to think about as I become more experienced. Right now, I just want to go slow and learn as much as I can! thanks again

Also, Randy you never use copper-do you qt fish? If so, for how long and do you put anything in your qt tank?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

I qt most fish, but not with copper.

A lot of people and fish stores also just use hyposalinity in new fish areas, but I use full strength seawater salinity.

 

[acrouse]

thank you- sounds like lots more reading for me-your water chemistry articles are very informative and as a beginner I am learning more why each chemical is needed and how it is used in the tank, instead of just testing for it because "its the test lfs recommends". Thanks for all the time and work you have put into these articles, I'm learning alot from them. thanks again- Jolene

 

[Sk8r]

Acrouse, the way you are going at things, I predict you're going to do very well at this hobby. Good luck to you!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley]

You're very welcome, Jolene, and thanks.