Betta Lighting

Question
I have a 2.5 gallon tank with a divider, housing a male and female betta on each side. They seem to be healthy. The female is a little fat, and I'm not sure if this is due to the possibility of eggs or if it's just her piggish eating. :)

Anyway, their tank has a small filter and a light on the top. My question was this: Do they need a specified "night time"? I leave the light off during the day, and usually turn it on when I go to bed and turn the room lights off so they are not lost in the dark. But it recently occurred to me that they might appreciate some time to sleep, too. What do you think? Should I leave the light off at night, or continue to turn it on for them?

Answer
Hi Teneisha;

I think you are doing just fine if it works for you. I have two tanks that the lights are on 24/7 because they are like night-lights for different parts of our house. If they get too much algae growing, I turn them off for part of the day or night for awhile. The lights are really only for us to see our fish and to help plants grow anyway. The fish really don't need it. Some people say fish need a sleep time for sure, others say no. I've done it both ways and don't see any difference in the health and vitality of the fish. So...it's up to you and what makes you and your fish happy.

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins