Lighting schedule

[thekarens]

So, hopefully I should be getting my group of juvies from Dan at Gulf Coast this weekend and my schedule is a bit crazy since I work full time and go to school 4 nights a week. Anyway, I will probably use an auto feeder for some of my feedings, but I was wondering about the lights. I like to keep the lights until 10:30 so I have time to enjoy the fish in the evening, but they also need to feed early. I know this is a newb question, but can discus eat in the dark? Or should I have my timer turn the lights on and off through out the day?

[Peachtree Discus]

how dark is dark? is there any ambient light from a window or anything? or do you mean pitch black, complete total darkness?

[thekarens]

Sorry, I should have been more clear. It will not be pitch black, but they would only have the light from the window across the room. Wasn't sure how much light they needed to see their food to eat.

[Peachtree Discus]

light from the window is enuf for them to eat. other than that - additional lighting is just for your viewing pleasure, as the discus really don't need it.

[Patr1ck]

If they can see you walk by, its light enough for them to eat.:D

P

[Eddie]

If they can see you walk by, its light enough for them to eat.:D

P

Dang Pat, your fish try to eat you when you walk by? Mine do too :D

Eddie

[Patr1ck]

Yep! Hungry B@$+@rds:D

Pat

[Dutch dude]

I use a diferent light schedule as most do and this is from the period I was more into planted community tanks. The schedule is the next.

lights on at 7:00 to 12:30
lights off at 12:30 to 17:00
lights on at 17:00 to 23:00

If it is a planted tank you need at least lighting periods of 4 hours. Shorter periods doesn't couse plant growth. With a schedule like mentioned abouve the CO2 level in the tank will be more stable as with one light period. Make sure there is some light in the room during the dark period from 12:30 to 17:00. Some daylight from a window or a moon light is enough like mentioned abouve.