Hello! I’ve been doing so much researching this and just want to make sure I don’t mess up the lighting — looking for light recommendations for my setup.
Tank is an Imagitarium 20 gallon long (rimmed)
30.19” L x 12.4” W x 14.13” H with a glass lid
Goal: A dense planted tank with a Monte Carlo carpet, no CO2. Going for something loosely inspired by Deeproot Gardens from Dark Souls 1 (favorite game), but realistically, I lack creativity so I’m just trying my best.
I am mainly looking at a Week Aqua M600 (rimmed version), but I’m not committed to it. I keep seeing that 60cm lights work fine on a 30” tank, but I don’t fully get how that plays out in real use.
- Is a 60cm (~24”) light actually enough for full coverage or do the edges end up weaker?
- If you’ve run Monte Carlo without CO2, what light worked for you and did it carpet fully or struggle on the sides?
- Does raising the light actually fix spread issues or not really?
I would like an app if it actually works, but it seems like good lighting + good app is not realistic. What are you guys using for lighting/automation that just works?
Context: I tried a Chihiros B60 and hated it. The app would disconnect every time I closed it, and when I reopened it I either couldn’t find the light or it would pair and get stuck in a loop. Returned it.
Resource: https://www.sunkentreasureaquatics.com/guides/lights
Additional info:
First tank. Got into it because a family member of mine is really into aquariums and I wanted something to connect with him over. After researching, I got pretty into it myself. Once I started learning about water quality everything clicked and now I’m just excited to get it going.
I only have space for one 20 long, so I want a light that performs well and future proofs me if I decide to try CO2 later. As said by Sunken Treasure Aquatics, “Investing $100 in a good light will make a far bigger improvement than investing $100 in a CO2 system.”
Hardscape: black seiryu + 2 ghost wood (just got these yesterday)
Stock Idea: espei or chili rasboras + blue dream shrimp
Plants Idea: Monte Carlo (main), anubias, anacharis, crypt wendtii brown, christmas moss, wisteria, hydrocotyle, staurogyne repens, salvinia, water sprite
Just trying to avoid buying the wrong light again. Any advice helps.
TLDR: 20 long, Monte Carlo no CO2, worried about 60cm light coverage. Need lighting suggestions.