Tomato at the end of the ropes?

[ChunksInClemson]

My tomato has been living in my 20L for about 3 years. Tonight, I went home (25 min drive from school) and my mom forgot to turn on the light. He was very pale and I know they are like that when they first "wake up". 30 minutes past, and he still looked the same. He was acting a little different(looked like he didnt have any balance). He would hit the bottom every 5 seconds and he ran into some of his LR as well(not very hard). Is this just them waking up? He would also rest against the glass every now and then. How much light should the tank be getting daily?

 

[km133688]

hard to believe a lack of light would cause such behavior. I know my two tomatoe clowns are drowsy at night too, but I would figure any decent light and they should be up and about in the 30 minutes you mentioned. I sure hope nothing is seriously wrong.

Please post a followup when you find out either way. good luck, Kevin

 

[ChunksInClemson]

Ok, I will, thanks

 

[Pandora]

They do sometimes get disoriented if they have been sleeping (yes, they sleep, but with eyes open), and the light cycle is changed. The sudden change of schedule and sudden lights on could have really shocked him. Fish are usually more subdued in color in the dark. They usually gradually brighten up in color and activity a few minutes before lights on when they know there is a certain schedule (sets their circadian rhythm). If you suddenly change it one day, it's almost like the sun doesn't come up until noon all of the sudden, and you may have caught him disoriented in a midday nap, and just shocked him.

Another thought is that HLLE (lateral line disease) can sometimes cause similar problems with orientation and ability to swim in a directed manner. It's hard to tell if he is really seriously sick or just temporarily shocked from that one description. Let us know how he does tomorrow. And try to keep your lighting on a regular schedule.

 

[ChunksInClemson]

Yeah well, since my tank is at my house and I'm in college, the mom has light and feeding responsibilities. She just said she forgot to do it this morning.

Another question-What is the regular amount of light a tank should get if it is not getting any NSL?

 

[Nzomniak]

While I could definitely understand how messing with one's circadian rhythm would have dire consequences (from personal experience ... d'oh!), I find it hard to believe that only a one-time-deal of 25 minutes could cause such a hardship on any animal.

Pandora, I'm still learning and I haven't the slightest idea about fish, but are they really THAT susceptible?

 

[Rob Martin]

Why not put the light on a timer?

 

[Pandora]

Nz: If it were just 25 min late, it wouldn't have made much of a difference, you're right. But reread his post, I think he was just saying he is a 25 min drive home from school. I don't think he mentions how late the turn on really was. (The 30 minutes was 30 min after the lights finally did go on). It sounds like the lights were off all day, am I right?

I do also think Rob had a good suggestion... buy yourself a $5 timer at HD. This'll save your mom one extra task for helping keep up the tank.

I was thinking also... since she is caring for it, the tank's parameters may not be doing as well as when you had it. Your parents may be dependable to do the minimum for pet care, but nothing beats the TLC of a true reef lover.

 

[Nzomniak]

you're right the drive home is 25 minutes, who knows how late the lights were. My bad

Whatever happened, Chunks? Did he come out of it?