Offset start time for lighting

[sesbalders]

Sorry if this has been posted before or is in the wrong place.

Ive just got round to setting up my ai lighting, for my new cube.

I want to run a fairly low power 8 hour cycle for a few months to keep the algae down, but I also want to enjoy my aquarium in the evening. Is it ok to offset the lighting schedule soo get to see my fish after work?

 

[gbroadbridge]

Sorry if this has been posted before or is in the wrong place.

Ive just got round to setting up my ai lighting, for my new cube.

I want to run a fairly low power 8 hour cycle for a few months to keep the algae down, but I also want to enjoy my aquarium in the evening. Is it ok to offset the lighting schedule soo get to see my fish after work?

I'm not sure I understand.

The fish do not know what time it is outside.
They base their rhythm on the tank lighting cycle.

Just change the lights to match your viewing hours, and make sure you have about 8 hours of lighting.
They may have 'jet lag' while they readjust if you shift the time by more than 4 hours or so, but will get over it in a few days.

 

[Townes_Van_Camp]

Yes. I work nights. I run my cycle from 9pm-7am. I've flipped them to days with me once, then back as well. It isn't any issue.

 

[sesbalders]

I'm not sure I understand.

The fish do not know what time it is outside.
They base their rhythm on the tank lighting cycle.

Just change the lights to match your viewing hours, and make sure you have about 8 hours of lighting.
They may have 'jet lag' while they readjust if you shift the time by more than 4 hours or so, but will get over it in a few days.

Totally get that, my concern is that it will get light much before the ai comes on. Ie there will be ambient light in the room.

its obviously not direct sunlight but it will almost be like there is a 3 hour morning twilight effect going on .

 

[sesbalders]

Yes. I work nights. I run my cycle from 9pm-7am. I've flipped them to days with me once, then back as well. It isn't any issue.

Perfect! Thank you for the reply buddy!

 

[gbroadbridge]

Totally get that, my concern is that it will get light much before the ai comes on. Ie there will be ambient light in the room.

its obviously not direct sunlight but it will almost be like there is a 3 hour morning twilight effect going on .

As long as there is no direct sunlight, it won't be an issue :-)