15 How long do I leave the light on each day?
Description
This article is from the Aquaria: Plants FAQ, by multiple authors.
15 How long do I leave the light on each day?
Plants want a definite daily light and dark cycle each day; 10-14
hours is fine; twelve hours is the duration on the equator, where many
tropical plants are found. You should buy a timer ($5-10) to
automatically turn the lights on and off for you, since the plants
(and fish) prefer a regular cycle to an erratic one. If the plants
need more light, you should not extend the light period, as that will
only help the algae. Rather, install another fixture and increase the
intensity of light.
Speaking of timers, many fluorescent fixtures don't self-start, i.e.
you have to hold in a button for a few seconds to turn it on. You can
quickly convert any fixture into a "self-starting" one with a few
new components from a hardware store or sold as a kit from mail-order
houses. See the later LIGHTING section for a diagram.
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