Extended dark periods/lighting question (fish only)

[siniang]

Hi,

I was wondering about lighting periods and what might happen if I leave lights off during the day.

My old apartment was light enough that there would be enough natural light getting into the tank even if my beams were turned off. My new apartment is somewhat darker. I use to turn lights off when I'm not home due to concerns with fire hazard, but I started wondering if I might harm my fish? Even if turned off, my fish are still up, but noticeably less active/more hiding.

When I'm home, I turn it on in the morning and turn it off around 7pm and they go to sleep.

Can extended periods of darkness be stressful/harm my fish and should I leave it own, even if I'm not home? I would also need to install a timer in that case for when I'm getting home, late.

My lights just failed today and I already ordered new ones, but they may not arrive for a few days. Any remedies for the meantime?

 

[Ranjib]

Nothing will happen even if you dont have any light for couple of days..
regarding extended darkness on a daily basis.. i am not very sure. I know 8-10 hrs of lighting should suffice, but if we need ambient light or not is something even I am curious. Worth posting this in the lighting forum

 

[Jesterrace]

Unless they are deep water fish, I would say that they will need some form of lighting on a regular basis to thrive/be content. I would agree that having them go dark for a few days is no big deal, but for them to live in darkness for weeks, months, etc. is a different story IMHO. I suppose you could try to see if a swing shift type schedule would work for them (ie running the lights when you are home at night so it's a non-issue with your concerns).