How long should I leave the light on?

[fish fever]

Please help! I just started the tank and so far no algae problem and I don't want to create one by leaving the light on for too long. So, how long should I leave the tank light on each day? We don't have a lot of sunlight during the day, just a little nature light from a window about 15 feet away from the tank.

 

[kindbuds2k]

Do you have fish in it?

 

[newfishguy]

I have the same question. I just have a basic fluorescent light for a FOWLR tank with one plug.

 

[reefnut]

8-10-12 hours a day... if you have lower light you can get by leaving the lights on longer.

 

[newfishguy]

oK. Well, what time should the lights be left on and turned off or does it matter? If you have a basic FOWLR tank then why would you want the lights left on during the day? What benefit does that provide for the tank? I would think that you would only want the lights on for a FOWLR when you are awake.
Originally Posted by ReefNut
8-10-12 hours a day... if you have lower light you can get by leaving the lights on longer.

 

[reefnut]

The fish need a normal day and night... they can come on anytime... like 12 noon to 10pm or whatever.

 

[fish fever]

Thanks, everyone. I just started to cycle my tank. No fish, only live rock and live sand. I don't want to start an algae problem by leaving the light on for too long.