How Long Do You Have Your Lights On For?

I think I may have my lights on for far too long! I don't have any algae related issues yet, but have read that having lights on too much can encourage algae growth.

Generally I have my lights on from 10am to 10pm....! How long do you guys have yours on for and what's the actual 'purpose' of the lights?

I think because I keep reading how poor quality the lights on my tank are it's made me slightly paranoid, but I only have a java fern on two of my bogwoods and a moss ball, so I'm thinking I'm probably just wasting money?

I might change the lights so they're on later in the evenings so I can watch my fishies for longer!

Ooh OK maybe it's all good then!

I already have a blue 'moonlight' type light, though I don't ever really switch between them to be honest - maybe I should, it's quite a relaxing colour ha. But £60 is a little pricey for me for my little tank! Think I shall stick to the current lights ha. Fishies seem happy anyway!

My lights are on for 6 hours in each tank. I'll probably be told off as they are T8s and I should have them on longer. But with low light plants and a tendancy to algae, I'm worried about having them on for longer. The lights come on in the afternoon and go out late evening. The 50 litre does get natural light, but direct sunlight only in midwinter when the sun is low enough in the sky for the rays to reach the tank. In summer, the top of the window frame cut the sunlight off before it reaches the tank.

Oops....judging by what everybody has said, I have my lights on way too long!  I put them on in the morning when I get up which is anytime from about 7.30-8ish, and then I don't turn them off again until I go to bed, the earliest being about 2am but more usually 3ish.

My poor fishies will be rioting for sleep masks