Lights Too Bright

HI all

I have a predominant tetra tank 70ltr

We have installed led lighting. Which look great but my black widows and serpaes always hide when the light is on
When the light is off they swim normally

Could the light be too bright for them?
Is there someway of filtering the leds?

Cheers

 

Yes, the lights can be too bright for some fish. You can try diffusing the light with semi-opaque plastic- either a purpose built product like a photo diffusion material or something as simple as cut up plastic grocery bags. If you use the latter make sure you place it well away from the lights to avoid melting/fire issues. If you use the former make sure it's designed for lights and can take the heat (most can) and make sure not to block any ventilation slots or heat sinks.

 

What about getting floating plants?

 

What about getting floating plants?

Those will work. Keep in mind you may need to thin them so they don't take over the top of the tank.

 

Those will work. Keep in mind you may need to thin them so they don't take over the top of the tank.

Very true. It seems like I scoop out fistfuls of dwarf water lettuce everyday and it still manages overrun my tank.

 

You could try to cover your light with a thin paper

 

Depending on how your tank is already set up, you don't have to go with floating plants. Any plants will provide shaded areas for your fish - think sun over trees. My preference is live plants -- plastic or silk will do, but I think my fish prefer live ones.

 

Another option would be to raise the set of lights above the tank, using spacers.