Lights on during cycling???

[rommelgin]

Hey guys, Just wondering how crucial it is to have my lights on during cycling......can i get away cycling the tank without lights or do i need them to start some algea growth and what not?

[Reefer_Addickt]

I don't think you need the lights on to cycle.
I know for the past two tanks I setup, that I have not had the lights on. I would think that most of the biological cycle going on is below the need for light.

Links
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

[Rekonn]

I recently finished cycling my 90g main and 15g QT tanks. Only turned on the lights to take pictures during cycling. I guess if you wanted to add snails earlier, you'd leave the lights on to promote algae growth.

[hawaiianwargod]

Mel,

No need to use lights while cycling....Congrats on your new setup bro! Can't wait to see your project done...very cool indeed.

[rommelgin]

Reefer addict, thanks for the links. Will be reading up on those.
Rekonn, thanks for the info! Your tank progress is looking good!
J, your gonna clown bro but im nowhere near done! LOL....i was just wondering if the lights were really neccesary for the cycle. Still need to get my baffles up in the sump and my return pump. Just waiting for the confirmation that im getting a better job and its splurge time!

[Kinetic]

no lights would probably be preferable for me, you can cycle without huge algae blooms... and no need to rack up the electricity bill for no reason either with lights

[delsol650]

I'll be cycling without light either with my cube.