Using a tank as a nightlight

[xShainax]

Is it ok if I leave one of the tanks on as a nightlight?

[toad]

Originally Posted by xShainax

Is it ok if I leave one of the tanks on as a nightlight?

Hmm... this is a good question. Do you have the "moonlight" bulbs, or would it be your regular day time bulbs? Since all my experience is with mammals, I'm thinking back to how irregular light cycles can affect a dog's coat, etc. I'm curious about what everyone else will say :)

[LittleWatty]

I'm no expert, but I believe that if you wanted to use it as a nightlight, it would have to be with "night time" bulbs, as Betta's need a light cycle. At least, that's what I've heard.

[Sivan]

I do not know about these "night" bulbs because I cannot be bothered with changing between bulbs throughout the day but as for regular tank lights...no. Betta fish need a cycle of day and night just as we do and leaving the light on can stress the fish severely, which can lead to sickness and harm.

[jeremywadejunior]

Originally Posted by xShainax

Is it ok if I leave one of the tanks on as a nightlight?

I turn the aquarium light off at night so that my fish can comfortably sleep. However, when I first got him, I wondered if it was too dark for him in my room at night, so I put my alarm clock (it has a dark blue lit face) by the tank. The dark blue light illuminates one side of the tank just enough so that sometimes I am able to see the shape of my fish swim or float around at night. It makes for a dimly-lit nightlight. I would suggest giving your fish some semi-natural darkness at least, so that they can sleep.

[teeneythebetta]

I've never heard of these "night" bulbs but bettas appreciate at least 6 hours of darkness to rest. I turn my tank light on @ 7 am and off at 7 pm.

[aokashi]

Here in Sydney electricity is cheapest between 10pm and 8am... Thats when my lights are on... I have a very bright 15w cfl nightlight :D I guess I also have a nocturnal fish.

[Ant10a]

I've read... so don't quote me on this haha

That it's better to get your fish used to a day/night rotation rather than having a light on all the time for them.

It will let them sleep at night, and then know that it's time to be up during the day.

Again, don't quote me on that lol. Just what I have heard.

The suggestions above though, would most likely work too if you did want to keep it as a night light.

[noellezim]

Yeah they should be fine. I use mine tank as a night light. they sleep in their pots or on the surface. beware they get really pissed when woken up, my fish flare and thrash at me and move their tails like they are scolding me for being up late. so weird...

[Spazzfish]

Dont keep your light on at night. You will mess with their bio clocks.
i personaly can't stand having an pin prick of light when i am trying to go to sleep.