Best amount of light

My fish tank has a small problem with algae and I have been told if my light are on for to long that can make it easier for algae to thrive. What is the normal amount of time I should have my tank lit up each day?

 

I would do about 12 hours a day. If you have algae problems, try 3 days of darkness. How old are your bulbs?

 

I run mine 10 hours a day. My blues are on 10 hours and the daylights 8 hours. The daylights come on 1 hour after the blues and go out 1 hour before the blues.

 

This is a good question. Also, how long have you been keeping your lights on for and what are your nitrate and phosphate readings? Do you use tap water or RO/DI water?

 

Right now they run for 11 hours a day and I think the bulb is pretty old. The older they get the more algae likes them?

 

Correct, the bulb's original spectrum seems to shift towards a color more favorable for photosynthetic algae as they age. Bulbs should be replaced every 8 months or so.

 

that may be my problem i can even remember the last time i changed my bulbs. if i want to do a few days of darkness in my tank how will that affect my fish? will i still be able to feed them in the dark or do i turn the light on for a little bit?

 

Between 8 and 12 hours seems to work well. Your lights being on for too long could very well be a contributing factor to an algae bloom, but I wouldn't act based on the assumption that it is the sole cause. Nutrient input and export is most like playing a much larger role.

 

Lights out is really only a temporary solution. It will grow back if your nitrates and phosphates are elevated. Once you get those in check, do a lights out to kill whatever is in the tank and then decide on a good lighting length for you (8-12 hours seems to be the answers so far). I would also look at buying new bulbs if they are that old.

 

If you have enough light in the room you can feed your fish without turning on the light if they are in the open. They should be able to survive 3 days without food. Most have gone longer than that after being caught and while being transported to importers.