Do fish need vitamin D from a light source?

[leighla wolf]

I have a fluval evo 13.5 with an ai prime light and have been doing a two week long blackout with my ai prime on the tank (plan on a month) then running a refugium light at night to get the algae to grow more in the fuge and outcompetes the takeover I had in the main display. My question now is, do my clownfish need UV lights for vitamin D? Without lights will they become sick? I have the moonlight running at 25% so they have some light to navigate the tank but I’m worried about them health wise!

 

[40g Nano]

That is a good question
Maybe ask @Randy Holmes-Farley
He might know

 

[40g Nano]

The moonlight also grows algae though

 

[leighla wolf]

The moonlight also grows algae though

I didn’t know that! Thank you! I’m just trying to allow my fuge to “catch up” had some water quality issues as well as some power outtages and have been trying to fix the underlying conditions

 

[40g Nano]

You need to work on those power outages

that can kill everything

also, a blackout is normally only a few days

 

[leighla wolf]

You need to work on those power outages

that can kill everything

also, a blackout is normally only a few days

Yeah. I invested in a generator as well as a cooling system. Also aware about the blackout, but I’m trying to beat the phosphate problem leaching from rocks in a faster manner without chemicals.

 

[homer1475]

Yeah I don't know on this one.

Typical blackouts only last a couple days. Weird things start to happen after 4 or 5 days of no light. Any corals in the tank?

 

[homer1475]

Might want to tag @Jay Hemdal on this one.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

My understanding is that fish have no need for UV for vitamin D synthesis, they get it all from their diet.
Jay

 

[Casket_Case]

Fish need light like humans need light I think. If you put a clownfish in total darkness long term it’s not going to do well...

 

[xxkenny90xx]

Fish need light like humans need light I think. If you put a clownfish in total darkness long term it’s not going to do well...

I agree (as far as artificial light goes, humans do need some sunlight) but as long as there is some indirect light in the room then the fish will be fine.

 

[John08007]

I don't see how a light out is going to help a phosphate problem.

 

[Casket_Case]

I agree (as far as artificial light goes, humans do need some sunlight) but as long as there is some indirect light in the room then the fish will be fine.

Yeah I feel like good bright light keeps them healthy because in their natural habitat there’s loads of it. I mean humans that stayed in the dark too much suffered bone deformities... I expect it’d be the same for any other animal.