So I am almost completely done with my setup and looking to add water in the next few weeks. My question is I haven't gotten the LEDs as its a big purchase would it be okay to not have them for the first couple of months or should I wait till I have them. I will be adding only fish after my cycle is over and will do corals later on as I wanna get the hang of getting my parameters stable. I will have leds before corals but won't have them right when I get my fish thanks and I'm sorry if this was a dumb question
Is lighting necessary
- Thread starter sharkreef
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michellejy
Well-Known Member
It's not a stupid question. Quarantines don't even need dedicated lighting so there is no reason it will hurt your fish. You might notice some algae issues once you start running your tank with a regular lighting schedule, however.
You could always but some cheap t5's for the time being just to give your fish a little light. Even a lamp next to the tank would probably work. The fish don't really need the light but it's good for them to have a good day/night cycle. But you'll want to be able to see in there before long lol
There are three major advantages in having some sort of lighting over your fish only system. One is that it will be easier for you to spot fish showing early signs of disease (assuming that you work during the day so your primary fish viewing time is mostly at night). Second is that it will be easier for your fish to see the food when you feed at night. Third is about surprising/shocking your fish. Unless you have a dedicated fish room, your fish tank will most likely be at a part of the house where you would need lighting when you enter the room. Depends on the type of fish you have and how long the fish tank has been sitting in the dark, your fish may have different reactions to the sudden brightness. Some may jump. Some may dive into the sand. Some may just try to find the nearest rock to hide. In any case, doing so may occasionally cause injury. Therefore, my suggestion is to at least get some cheap LED light strip and secure them over the top of your tank. You can get them from places like IKEA, or maybe even at Home Depot.
You do not need to run lights with a fish only tank.
Lionfish Lair
Renee
I don't turn the lights on over 2 of my current tanks. Lights with improper spectrum can encourage nuisance algae growth.
FishOfHex
Reefer & 3D Printer
You would be fine with not having to buy leds for a few months but i do recommend you have some kind of light on the tank if you are going to have fish. If they are always in the dark they tend to sleep and not eat you could cause health issues for the fish if its prolonged. So get yourself a 10k bulb or something close to that kelvin to cut back on algae growth and have it on for a few hours a day for the fish. Once you get new lights let them run for a week or two so the tank can adjust to the new light. If you have any nutrient problems you will notice once you add additional light to the system. Best of luck and happy reefing.
