Lighting: Split or full coverage?
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Mango - Posts: 19
- Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 3:17 am
Lighting: Split or full coverage?
I'm setting up a new 40-gallon planted tank and can't decide between split lighting or full coverage. I've got a mix of Anubias, Java Fern, and some stem plants. What's worked best for you guys?
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guppywave - Posts: 6
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:05 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
Full coverage all the way, mate. My plants went nuts when I switched from split to full. Just make sure you got the right intensity, or you'll end up with algae city.
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florabell - Posts: 4
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:59 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
It depends on your plant types and tank depth. For a 40-gallon with Anubias and Java Fern, split lighting might be better to avoid burning the lower-light plants. What's your substrate like?
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Boldy - Posts: 12
- Joined: Mon Jan 17, 2022 7:30 am
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
I agree with guppywave, but you gotta watch the photoperiod too. I run mine for 8 hours max to keep algae in check.
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hutmog - Posts: 19
- Joined: Sun Jun 26, 2022 4:53 am
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
Split lighting's chill if you're gonna have different light needs in the tank. My stem plants love the full blast, but the Anubias would melt if I didn't give 'em some shade.
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Mango - Posts: 19
- Joined: Sat Jul 02, 2022 3:17 am
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
Thanks for the input, everyone. I'll probably start with split lighting and adjust based on how the plants respond.
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nixora - Posts: 81
- Joined: Mon Jan 10, 2022 9:48 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
I've only used full coverage, but my tank is smaller. Do you think split lighting would work better for a 20-gallon?
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luminarix - Posts: 17
- Joined: Sat Dec 17, 2022 7:56 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
Split lighting sounds like a hassle. Why not just dim the full coverage if some plants need less light?
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microvolt - Posts: 37
- Joined: Fri May 06, 2022 8:39 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
I'm new to this, but my buddy runs split lighting and his tank looks dope. He's got like, two different zones for high and low light plants.
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fishtail - Posts: 2
- Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:35 pm
Re: Lighting: Split or full coverage?
Nah, dimming ain't the same. Split lets you target specific areas, ya know? Like, my Crypts get the shade they need while the Rotala gets all the juice.