Lights for pleco tank

[Catsaholic]

I think it would be useful to exchange opinions and experiences about lights in pleco tanks? How bright is it suppose to be? Does it matter how long you keep your lights on for? Does it matter what time of the day/night lights are on/off? Should it be consistent?
Personally, I've noticed that plecos are more comfortable without the lights.

Let's share our experiences. What do you think?

[Romulous]

I was trying to go LED light bulbs but it was just too dark in the tank most of the time so now I use the daylight CFLs other than a little algae it l;ooks good but I definately want to do LEDs again at some point just need to find a bulb with more LEDs in it

[jackson]

I dont use lights unless I want to see in my tanks. if i do i use a 18'' FLO bulb and that is it. Nothing fancy on my tanks when it comes to lights.

[Bwhiskered]

Lower light can reduce bacteria and disease problems. I have considered cutting down on light in some tanks.

[Zebrapl3co]

I don't think it really matters that much. My zebras spawn when I have lights on. Then the light broke and I took the light out from the hood. I am still breeding without the light. However, I do have strong lights from my other planted tanks. So it's not a perpetual darkness environment.

I am iffy about the LED. One reason is because the light is very focus and it hurts my eye if I look at it too long. And since a fish doesn't have eye lid ... That's the reason I am reluctant to setup an LED light for my fish tanks. However, if you are interested, the Nona C9 X-max light might give you what you wanted. I think the white light is better than the warm-white:
Noma Outdoor 25 C9 LED Light Set, White (Icy Cool) | Canadian Tire (http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/3/ChristmasToys/2/LightsChristmas/LEDLightsChristmas/PRDOVR~0512312P/Noma%2BOutdoor%2B25%2BC9%2BLED%2BLight%2BSet%252C% 2BWhite%2B%2528Icy%2BCool%2529.jsp)
With the C9 size, you just need to pop the plastic head off (takes a bit of pulling) and under neath, is the LED itself. These X-mas LED light are different from the flash light type because it's tip is inverted to refract the light. This spreads the light around instead of focusing in a single spot. The wire, on is the cumbersome part. I had plans to cut them all off and rewire them to fit under a hood.

[Yam]

Was surfing the net on lights for pleco. I have a Nan light for some pleco's since I have an Aro, is that ok for them? What is the best light for Plecos?

[CanadaPleco]

I don't really think there is any best light for pleco other then dim. They tend to not like much light at all.

[Samantha]

I agree with Rich, zebra plecos are bottom dwellers at great depths. Even though their natural environment has crystal clear water, there would be little light for them. I personally like the look of a blue light for night time and would go with something really soft or natural light for during the day.

[jimmy chonga]

mine seem to really enjoy the low intensity LED I have over my 75 gallon, gives a shimmering effect. especially the moon light

[Samantha]

Hey Jimmy Chonga, is your LED light, the new Marineland kind that have two lights? One produces a shimmering daylight effect and the other is like moonlight? I want one!

[jimmy chonga]

yep thats the one, i got a double bright on sale, I forget what I paid, but there are alot of them for sale around the net for sure

[Eros168]

Hey Jimmy Chonga, is your LED light, the new Marineland kind that have two lights? One produces a shimmering daylight effect and the other is like moonlight? I want one!

i can vouch for the marineland LED lighting, they get the job done. Also you get to save on electricity bill :)

[CanadaPleco]

I finally picked up one of the Marineland Double brights. I am very happy with it. nowhere near as bright as a T5HO's but i think it is a much more natural light. Like above a lot nicer on the hydro bill. Now i just need 4 more 48-60" ones boooo.

[davej]

I have the Marineland Double Brites on all my tanks.
I keep them on 12 hours a day just like at the equator.
My L134 colony has been breeding non stop since April.