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Do zeb tanks need light? if so how long should i leave it on for, should i replicate the lights hours as it is in the Rio Xingu

Any standard aquarium lighting will do: Triton, Florasun etc. I would say that bright lighting is not necessary and probably isn't liked by the zebras. After all in the Xingu they are about 8 ft down and the light filtering down to that sort of level would no longer be bright. If you have a planted aquarium I would say 8 to 10 hours a day is enough, depending on what type of plants you have. However if the aquarium is not planted then you wouldn't need half as much. Personally I have my lights off all day and only put them on in the evening for a few hours just to observe the zebras. It's really down to what suits you and your setup.

Thats what i was thinking of doing, i was just going to flick it on once i got home see to see any action and then turn it off and feed them really

I forgot to say that my zebras seem to be more active with the lights off. Depending on where you put your tank I think that natural daylight is more than enough.

I have 2 of the tanks not all zebs unfortunatly, at the back of a well lit room so i think i will not even bother with a light ill just turn the light in the room on that is more than enough!