Changing Your Aquarium Timers

It’s that time of year again—time to adjust your clocks for Daylight Savings Time (DST). There seems to be a split among the population about the need for “jumping forward” and “falling back,” and aquarium owners are no different. Is it a good idea to adjust your aquarium timers to reflect the time change? Here are some things to consider.

The Benefits of an Aquarium Timer

Before we dive into the Daylight Savings Time discussion, it is important to talk about aquarium timers. Timers are an excellent tool for regulating the tank’s light for a straightforward reason: they take out the human element. Since the timer does the work for you, you don’t have to worry about changing the lighting daily. Remember that different tanks will have different lighting needs based on the residents. Some fish and plants require more lighting, and others require less. It is best to speak to a specialist who can guide you in the right direction. On average, though, most aquariums require around 10 hours of light per day. 

Find a Schedule

Since fish and plants do not follow DST in nature, how do you know if it will benefit your aquarium friends? One way to ensure proper lighting is to follow a schedule. For instance, turning on a natural white light during the day and changing the lighting to a deep blue at night to mimic moonlight. This light gives your room a lovely ambiance and helps your fish and plants feel more at home. 

Changing to Match DST

As discussed in the previous section, fish do not set their internal clocks to match human time. Changing your timer to match DST is a matter of preference for each owner. You may want to adjust your tank lighting to fit your schedule. The most important thing to remember is consistency. If you decide to change your lighting timer, do so in increments to allow the fish and plants to adjust. 

Aquarium timers are fantastic tools to have in your tank arsenal, and with the proper setting, can benefit both your fish and your plants. If you have questions about the amount of light your tank needs or which timer would best suit your particular setup, get in touch with Premier Aquarium Services today. Our experts can answer any lighting questions you have to keep your fish happy.