submersible light instead of overhead light?

Question

I have a 38L fishtank with 2 goldfish and some plants living in it. The overhead light always attracts cockroaches and I have to clean them out every day. Is it ok to use a submersible light instead? What's best for the fish?

Anyone who has ever lived Sydney will understand about living with cockroaches!

Answer 1

The fish probably have no preferance one way or another, unless you have fish that orient their body toward light. If so, you might find your fish swimming rather strangely - upside down or with their dorsal side toward the light(s).

But the plants probably won't survive with just submersible lighting. I don't know that you'd get the wattage high enough, plus these may also try to grow toward the light.

In the not-to-distant future, you'll also need to be getting a larger tank for your fish. A 38L is about 10 US gallons, and goldfish will need about this each as adults. I don't know how large your roaches are, but if your goldfish grow large enough (and they can get from 5 inches [13 cm] to over 18 inches [45 cm] depending on the variety), they may use them as a food source.

Another option might be to get a glass cover for your tank: http://www.thatpetplace.com/pet/prod/212048/product.web These come in sizes to fit most standard tanks, and the back piece is plastic which can be cut or drilled to fit around filters or power cords. This should at least cut down on the number of roaches you have to deal with. You can probably get a pet store near you to order one for the size tank you have (or will get).

Answer 2

I would think they would still be attracted to the light. Not to hurt your feelings, but I think you need an exterminator more then a submersible light. I don't know that the fish would take too kindly to it either. I personally have never heard of anyone having that type of lighting in their fish tank. Pond maybe, but not a fish tank. This isn't to say no one has, but I haven't heard of it.

Good luck to you, I hope you can figure it out. ;o)