What photoperiod do tilapia need?

Tilapia typically grow best under 16–18 hours of light per day. Extended photoperiods promote feeding activity and growth, though 12–16h is acceptable for growout.

Does photoperiod affect fish reproduction?

Yes — photoperiod strongly influences reproductive maturation in many species. Longer days can delay maturation in salmonids, while shorter photoperiods trigger spawning in some tropical species.

What light intensity is recommended?

For most aquaculture species, 100–500 lux at the water surface is sufficient. Higher intensities may stress some species. LED lighting provides energy-efficient control.

Can I import the .ics file into Google Calendar?

Yes — download the .ics file and import it via Google Calendar Settings > Import & Export. Outlook and Apple Calendar also support .ics import.

ToolsConductScience tool

AquacultureFree in-browser calculator

Lighting Schedule Planner.

Plan daily light on/off schedules for your aquaculture facility. Export to calendar with one click.

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Validated2026-04-08

CitableMethods and citation included

Calculator

Results update in place

Try it out

Load example lighting planner data to see the full workflow

Schedule Parameters

Lights ON

Lights OFF

Start Date

End Date

Preview

62calendar events

31days × 2 events (ON + OFF) per day

Photoperiod

16h

light hours/day

Dark Period

dark hours/day

Total Events

ON + OFF

When to use

Setting up lighting schedules for new aquaculture facilities
Coordinating photoperiod changes across multiple tanks or ponds
Training new staff on lighting protocols
Documenting lighting schedules for compliance records

Do not use for

As a replacement for automated lighting controllers — this generates reminders, not direct control signals
For species with complex variable photoperiod needs without consulting species-specific guidance first

Abrupt photoperiod changes cause stress

When adjusting photoperiod, change by no more than 30–60 minutes per week. Gradual transitions mimic natural seasonal shifts and reduce stress.

Dawn/dusk simulation improves welfare

Using dimmer transitions (15–30 min ramp up/down) rather than instant on/off reduces startle responses and improves feeding behavior.

Night lighting disrupts rest cycles

Ensure true darkness during the dark period. Even low-level light from equipment LEDs can disrupt circadian rhythms in sensitive species.

Method

Generates paired ON/OFF ICS events for each day in the specified range. Photoperiod calculated as time between lights-on and lights-off. Calendar export uses RFC 5545 iCalendar format.

Validated

Last validated 2026-04-08. Calculations are designed for planning and documentation support; verify procurement decisions against manufacturer specifications or institutional SOPs.

How to cite

How to Cite

ConductScience Lighting Schedule Planner (v1.0). ConductScience, Inc. 2026. Available at: https://conductscience.com/tools/lighting-schedule-planner

Boeuf G, Le Bail PY. Does light have an influence on fish growth? Aquaculture. 1999.

Taranger GL et al. Control of puberty in farmed fish. General and Comparative Endocrinology. 2010.

Photoperiod Management in Aquaculture

Photoperiod — the ratio of light to dark hours — is a critical environmental factor in aquaculture. It regulates feeding behavior, growth rate, stress levels, and reproductive cycles. Consistent lighting schedules reduce stress and improve feed conversion. This tool generates calendar events for daily lights-on and lights-off times so facility staff never miss a lighting change.

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