Possible Intensity issues with substrate?

Hey guys,

A friend of mine was looking at my design for my 180 gallon and asked that if I need brighter lighting than usual, won't this blind the fish. Although I doubt it would blind the fish, I never considered that 1.8WPG might actually have adverse effects if I'm using Pool filter sand as a substrate? Will I need a darker substrate?

Is there anything to worry about here or did I just shock myself for no reason?

Thanks everyone!

 

There usually isn't anything to worry about. If you have enough hiding spots where the fish can get out of the bright light, it should be fine. Some fish prefer dI'm lighting though like most blackwater fish. Also, albino fish eyes are usually are more sensitive to bright light than normal fish eyes.

 

It really shouldn't effect them much at all.

I've had 2 Watts Per Gallon once on a 5 gallon tank with very white sand and the microfish and shrimp were just fine.

Though as said above, I would recommend that you get some things that will provide shade in different areas of the tank so that some of the fish can hide from the light every once in a while.

 

I agree with the above.

 

90% of fish will not be bothered by to much light unless you plan on using a street light! The only other thing is causing algae groth with too much light on for a long period of time. I always keep my light on timers so I can regulate the time they are on. I usally run mine on at 7am to 9am feed about 7:30. Back on at 4pm till 9pm. There is plenty of good light in the room daytime so no light is needed. I run LED lighting on my tanks. With flourcent lighting I usally ran 1 to 1 1/2 watts per gallon. Good luck

 

2wpg over white sand in one of mine, everythings peachy, I wouldnt worry mate

 

Thanks gold coast, but timing and general lighting is not an issue. The tank is being kept in a dark room so the lights will stay on for a total of 14 hours.

I have a programmable timer so I can play around with my 4 different lights (to create sunrise, midday, sunset and moonlight). The idea is to go as natural as possible but I was only worried about the reflective nature of the sand.

Thanks for the help guys!

 

You could sprinkle some black in with the white to tone it down. White sand will reflect light back up, unless the tank is planted.

 

The tank IS planted, with driftwood and numerous other shadow casting ornaments...
I just don't want to see the fish hiding in the shady spots only... I want to see them out and about as well

 

Where can I get black sand? What type of sand is it?

 

Not sure where you live, but here in the USA it is sold at the pet store. I'm sure with the plants and driftwood your fish will be fine.

 

Thanks guys! Will look into a slighlty darker substrate and weigh up the options. Just to be on the safe side