No one has mentioned lighting at all! I have a moonlight blue bulb and have it on for about 12 hours each day but im not to sure if this is too long! What you guys think??

You are correct, I will add a little section about lighting. I'm not quite familiar with your lighting system but the problem with living lights on for too long is that you can encourage algae to grow. I would say the recommended amount of time for living lights on at around six to eight hours a day. Many people use a timer switch. Just make sure you get the correct one, some aren't recommended for things like fish tank lights

i have a timer set to 12 hours, and just a standard light setup just with a blue bulb really i dont have any algae probs, but maybe i should reduce to 8 hours.

Observe your Oscar with the lights off for a while and then turn them back on and see if the Oscar acts any different. I have no evidence to prove this from observing my fish, but some people say that their Oscars don't like bright lights, I have also read this in places before. I can't honestly say that my red Oscar act any differently with the lights on or off. The problem is, an aquarium with the lights out does look rather dull sometimes, especially in winter time when it's not really that bright so it's nice to have the lights on. For other people reading this, just bear in mind that some Oscars may not like bright lights. Also, you can get special fluorescent lights that are used to enhance plant growth. Red Oscars often show up very well under these, and I believe Clown Loach do as well

I read albinos are more light sensitive. I simply illuminate half of the tank. One day one side; the next the other. This REALLY cuts down on algae quite a bit! 8 to 10 hours a day is just fine per side per day.

Illuminating half the tank at a time (if you haver side by side canopy lights) is ideal because it gives your fish a choice.

I have read in 2-3 places now that Oscars do not require light and probably prefer dim ambient conditions in the aquarium. For that reason, you only need one strip light with one single bulb to illuminate the aquarium for viewing purposes. I have a double strip light (2 bulbs) and all you need to do is partially unscrew one fluorescent bulb so it doesn't see power (or remove it entirely)and you can rotate the bulbs every few months to use them both up.

Of course, trying to grow plants presents a higher requirement and a longer "ON" duration period but I myself am using plastic plants so I light the aquarium for just about 6-8 hours in the late afternoon and early evening period. Again,the light is for "us" to see the fish in an attractive setting but I often notice my Oscars finding a shaded place to hang when the full lights are on.

If you have live plants you will need at least 3 watts per gallon of water and that only applies to standard depth aquariums. Tall Tanks present a real problem for growing live plants as the depth of water greatly reduces the amount of light that can penetrate it.
So if you have an aquarium taller then say 18-21 inches, you will need many extra watts to grow plants successfully and you will need to light the tank for at least 8 hours a day.

I believe you are correct about "albino" fish (of any species) as well as they really don't like the lighting. It makes sense.

I have no plants in my Oscar tank and leave the lights off most of the time.

The fish have learned that when the light comes on they get a meal or a treat, so when I turn on the lights for a guest to observe the tank, all my fish rush out and start begging.

I have twin "power glo" tubes that are fairly dim but bring out the fishes colour. I also have twin "daylight" tubes to really brighten up the aquarium when I want to.

The fish just associate the light with food.

Griller wrote:


My fish start begging as soon as they see someone in the room, it doesn't matter whether or not the lights are on or off, greedy little buggers

My fish beg all the time too, whenever anyone goes into the living room. I have got into the habit of lightly tapping the lid of my tank a few times before I feed them. They really whip themselves up into a frenzy when I do this as they know food is coming