It is ok to disturb them a little during the day. I just let mine hide almost all day and when i get off work i get him out and play with him in the afternoon. Then i put him back in his tank and he goes back to his hide. When i turn off the lights and turn on the blacklight he comes right out and explores!! He will hide almost all the time as long as the lights are on... unless he is really hungry or thirsty.