do fish need sunlight?

Answer 1

They need to be able to distinguish day from night, but that can be done with tank lights or even light from a window with sheer curtains or frosted glass.

Actual "sunlight" hitting the tank is bad, since when it hits the glass, it will warm the water inside the tank to the point it may get too hot for the fish. And warm water holds less oxygen than cooler water. Not to mention algae LOVES sunlight - it makes it grow so much better!

Answer 2

Depends on the type of fish. Most aquarium fish do better with the artificial light provided by a lamp over the tank.

Exposing your tank to sunlight can cause algae outbreaks.

Answer 3

My male betta is right near a nightlight which is always on. So it gets a nice casting of light throughout its 1 gallon tank. But then I also have provided an open clam decoration which, at night, it will get into for sleeping. The clam is faced away from the night light so that the fish really has some darkness. He seems to be thriving. Have had him for several months now.

Answer 4

Yes but turn it off every night. This will help you in saving energy and make an effect for the fishes, giving them day and night.

Answer 5

Proper artificial lighting is fine. I have my tank lights on timers, where they get the same amount of light each day. During summer months, I leave them on longer than in winter. There is no way to control algae without being able to control the lighting.

Answer 6

Yes but you can just get a full spectrum bulb such as flourescent to replace sunlight

Answer 7

If you have live plants than a little, but make sure that it isn't direct, because this will cause the tank to get algea.

Answer 8

some but not to much as too much hurts there eyes and causes alge to grow in the water

Answer 9

yes