💡 Aquarium Photoperiod Guide

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🌿 Low-Tech Planted (no CO₂, moderate light)

• ⏱️ 6–7 hrs/day
• 🕐 Example: 12:00 pm – 6:30 pm
• ✅ Keeps algae manageable while giving plants steady energy
• 🐟 Good balance for community tanks

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💨 High-Tech Planted (CO₂ injection + strong light)

• ⏱️ 7–8 hrs/day (never more than 9)
• 🕐 Example: 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm
• 🫧 CO₂ ON 90 min before lights → OFF 60 min before lights out
• 💊 Fertilizers dosed daily or 3–4×/week, synced with lights
• 🌱 Supports fast growers (Rotala, Ludwigia, carpets)

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🐟 Fish-Only / Monster / Ray / Pleco Tanks

• ⏱️ 6 hrs/day
• 🕐 Example: 4:00 pm – 10:00 pm (evening viewing)
• 🪵 Provide caves, driftwood, or dim areas → plecos & rays feel secure
• ❌ Longer photoperiod = more algae without plant benefit

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🌙 “Siesta” Method (split schedule)

• 🌅 Morning: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (4 hrs)
• 🌃 Evening: 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm (4 hrs)
• ⏱️ Total = 8 hrs
• ✅ Reduces algae pressure but allows long viewing window
• 🐠 Helpful for balancing busy lifestyle + plant needs

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🚦 Adjustment Signs

• 🟢 Plants pearling, steady growth → photoperiod good
• 🟡 Algae film in <48 hrs → cut back 30–60 min
• 🔴 Fish hiding or washed-out colors → shorten duration, add shade
• 🔧 No pearling in CO₂ tank → nutrient/CO₂ issue, not light hours

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🧯 Pro Tips

• ⏰ Always use timers for consistency
• 🌅 If possible, ramp lights up/down (simulate sunrise/sunset → less stress for fish)
• 🪴 Increase duration slowly (30 min/week) if needed
• 💧 Sync liquid ferts and CO₂ injection with lights for best results
• 🌑 Total darkness at night helps fish rest and strengthens circadian rhythm

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✅ Bottom line:

• 🌿 Low-tech → 6–7 hrs/day
• 💨 High-tech → 7–8 hrs/day with CO₂ sync
• 🐟 Fish-only → 6 hrs/day for viewing only
• 🌙 Split “siesta” works if you want longer viewing but still safe photoperiod