How much light do guppies need or prefer?

I keep my guppies in the kitchen, but it's dark in there. They don't show any problems from being kept in the dark all day, but they really perk up when I come home and turn the lights on. A lot of fish don't do well with direct light, but should I leave the lights on while I'm at work? I'd prefer not to waste electricity, but if it keeps my guppies happy... Your thoughts, please.

My guppies have a great time in my 20 gallon tank with standard aquarium fluorescent lighting.

it is ok for the guppies to kept on the dark.however, exposure to light will keep them healthy.

You should have a flurocent tube made for aquariums above your fish tank. you can buy lids with those built in at any pet store. Leave it on for about 10 hours and then off for about 14, this will not only give your fish proper light but will promote healthy algae growth (algae is neccesary to keep good water ph and balance minerals)

Guppies will do fine with just a few hours of light.I suggest a simple $8.00 timer. Have the lights come on a few hours before you arrive home so you can enjoy them and they can get 6 hors of so of light.They should have some access to light for full color development and optimal health. While keeping them in near total darkness would not harm them, they would be less likely to breed and show off pretty colors.

I suggests you to leave the light on when u are at work, and once u come back turn it off. They'll be fine!