Should a strip light extend the full length of my tank?

[karsa]

I have a 48" long tank with 3 AI primes and I'm getting a lot of shadowing so I'd like to add a strip light in the front and back of them. My Primes are about 13" above the water I think the new setup will remain close to that. I'm looking at the Orphek OR3s in 48" but was recommended to go with the 36" versions as I would waste the extra length as light spill (120 degree lens). The price difference isn't really a concern so I was just going to stick with the 48" but would that end up being too much light outside the tank? So do most people get lights the entire length or do you go shorter taking into account the spread?

 

[Derrick0580]

Following along because i too am wondering about this due to wanting an ai blade to supplement my xr15’s

 

[Bpb]

Full length. There will be a little light spill but having the lights shorter than the tank defeats the purpose of shadow filling. You need that light coming in from the outer edges

 

[Hurricane Aquatics]

Yes, full length for sure.

 

[karsa]

That’s what I was thinking too. Thanks