How Much Light Do Angelfish Need?
Many people believe that all an angelfish needs is a dark place to hide and it will be happy. However, is this really true?
Well, this is not true. Just like people, angelfish need a balanced day with a good mix of light and darkness to stay healthy.
If an angelfish is kept in complete darkness, it will become stressed and may eventually die. On the other hand, if an angelfish is kept in too much light, it is not the healthiest option either and can also lead to stress and other health problems.
So, what is the best way to ensure your angelfish has a healthy environment? The answer is to provide a balance of light and darkness.
This article will explore the topic of lighting for angelfish and help you to create a healthy environment for your fish.
Do Angelfish Like Light?
Angelfish have a circadian rhythm and require light because it regulates their internal clock, allowing them to tell day from night.
Not only that, having adequate tank lights will guarantee that your plants grow properly, providing excellent hiding places for your angelfish while also lowering their stress levels.
However, if the light is too strong, your angelfish may be overstimulated meaning that they’ll be more likely to swim erratically and hide more often.
Also, rapid and unexpected changes in light might disorientate your fish and make them more prone to getting sick.
In short, yes, angelfish need light, but it is important to provide the right type and amount of light for them to stay healthy and happy.
How Does Light Affect Angelfish?
Light is one of the most important factors in determining the health and growth of angelfish.
The right amount of light not only helps them to see and find food but also provides the necessary energy for their metabolism.
Angelfish are very sensitive to changes in light intensity and duration, and even small variations can cause stress and health problems.
That’s why it’s so important to provide a consistent light environment for your angelfish.
A good rule of thumb is to keep the light on for 10-12 hours per day, with a gradual increase or decrease in intensity over time to simulate their natural day/night cycle.
If you need to change the light schedule for any reason, do it gradually over a week or so to give them time to adjust.
And if you’re ever in doubt, err on the side of caution and provide a little less light rather than too much.

Is It Okay to Leave My Aquarium Light on 24 Hours a Day, Seven Days a Week?
You should not keep your tank lights on 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
There are several reasons why this is not a good idea, but the most important one is that it will cause algae growth in your angelfish tank. And you will spend literally weeks if not months trying to clean out algae from your aquarium.
So, it’s better to just avoid the problem altogether by keeping your tank lights on a more reasonable schedule.
Here is a youtube guide talking about Do Aquarium Fish Need Light At Night?
Can Fish Sleep With Light On?
What will happen if you really fall asleep but can’t turn off the light for whatever reason? You’ll just try to go asleep with your eyes closed, right?
The same goes for fish. They can sleep with the light on, but they will prefer darkness because it helps them to relax.
So, if you want your angelfish to get a good night’s sleep, make sure to turn the tank lights off for a few hours before bedtime.
Are LED Lights Bad for Fish?
LED lights are a good option for aquariums because they produce very little heat and come in a variety of colors.
However, you should be aware that some fish are sensitive to light and may prefer dimmer lighting.
What Color Light Is Best for Angelfish?
There are a few different schools of thought when it comes to the best color light for an angelfish tank.
Some people believe that brighter is better, while others prefer a softer light. And then some think that the color of the light doesn’t matter as long as the fish can see what’s going on around them.
So, what’s the verdict? Well, it depends on what you’re looking for in a fish tank.
If you want your fish to stand out and be more visible, then the bright tank lights are probably going to be best.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more calming effect in your tank, then a softer light might be a better choice.
As for the color of the light, there is some evidence to suggest that different colors can have different effects on fish.
For example, blue light has been shown to promote calmness in fish, while red light can make them more active. Again, it depends on what you’re looking for in your fish tank.

How Much Light Do Angelfish Require?
Angelfish expect and need roughly 12 hours of light each day, just like humans. This means you should keep the tank lights on for at least 12 hours per day.
You can do this by having a timer that turns the tank lights on and off at the same time each day, or you can manually turn them on and off as needed.
Why Do Angelfish Hide When Exposed to Light?
One of the most common questions new angelfish owners have is why their fish keep hiding whenever the tank lights are turned on. Doesn’t light mean it’s time to start swimming around and looking for food?
The answer is a little bit complicated. Angelfish are naturally shy fish, and they tend to spend most of their time in the shadows.
This is because, in the wild, angelfish are often the prey of other predators. By staying in the shadows, they’re less likely to be seen and attacked.
In a home aquarium, there are no predators to worry about. However, the bright lights can still be stressful for angelfish.
This is why it’s important to give them plenty of hiding places in their tank, like caves and tall plants.
That way, they can choose to come out and explore when they’re feeling comfortable, and retreat to the safety of the shadows when they need to.
So don’t be alarmed if your angelfish seems a little skittish at first. With time, they’ll get used to their new home and start coming out to play more often.
Just make sure to give them the hiding places they need to feel safe, and they’ll be happy and healthy in no time.
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What Should Be my Angelfish Light Source?
Just because you have the lights in place doesn’t mean you should use them. Sometimes, the ambient light in a room is more than enough to meet the lighting needs of your fish.
If the room in which the tank is positioned is adequately illuminated by the sun (or other sources of light such as bulbs and lamps), you can keep the tank lights off.
But you still need the tank lights in place because ambient light is unreliable. It tends to fluctuate, especially in the winter.
You can use the tank lights to supplement the ambient light or to provide a more consistent light source for your fish.
FAQs
How Much Lighting Does an Angelfish Need?
Angelfish need around 12 hours of light each day. You can provide this with natural sunlight, artificial lighting, or a combination of both.
What Happens If I Don’t Give My Angelfish Enough Light?
If you don’t give your angelfish enough light, their sleep cycle won’t be regular, they may become more aggressive, and their coloration could fade.
What Happens If I Give My Angelfish Too Much Light?
If you give your angelfish too much light, they will become stressed and they will be more prone to diseases. Additionally, algae can start to grow in the tank more quickly, leading to water quality issues.
How Can I Tell If My Angelfish Is Getting Enough Light?
If your angelfish is getting enough light, they should be active and their coloration should be bright. However, if they seem lethargic and their colors are dull, they may not be getting enough light.
How Can I Provide the Right Amount of Light for My Angelfish?
You can use natural sunshine, artificial lighting, or a combination of the two to give your angelfish the right amount of light.
It’s important to maintain a consistent light source so that your fish can adjust their daily activities accordingly.
Do Angelfish Need Filter?
Angelfish need a high-quality filter to remove contaminants and impurities from the water. A good quality filter will also help to keep the water oxygenated, which is essential for fish health.
Do Angelfish Need a Heater?
Angelfish need a heater to maintain a consistent water temperature. They are tropical fish, so they prefer waters that are around 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
A sudden drop in temperature can be stressful for angelfish and make them more susceptible to diseases.
What Should I Feed My Angelfish?
Angelfish are omnivorous, so they will eat both plants and animals. In the wild, their diet consists mostly of insects, small crustaceans, and plant matter.
In captivity, you should give them a variety of foods to ensure that they’re getting all the nutrients they need. Some good food options for angelfish include:
- live foods (e.g., brine shrimp, bloodworms)
- pellets or flakes
- vegetables (e.g., zucchini, spinach)
Last Words
When it comes to angelfish, there is no doubt that light plays a significant role.
Achieving the proper equilibrium is important to almost every kind of fish. The goal here is to keep things as they are in the fish’s natural environment.
We hope you enjoyed this article. If you still have any questions, please share them with us in the comment section below.