is light needed to cycle?

stealthbimmer · 05/13/2007, 06:22 PM

Just curious if light is needed during the cycle period. I have a 75 gallon that i am setting up. I was wondering if instead of skimping on the lighting because of $$, if i set it all up and running and then buy lighting once cycle is over? This way i will have more to spend on quality lighting...

OmegaTassadar · 05/13/2007, 06:25 PM

No, lighting is not needed for cycling.

skippy2 · 05/13/2007, 06:25 PM

You don't need your lights yet.

stealthbimmer · 05/13/2007, 07:20 PM

thanks guys...

Ricepicker · 05/13/2007, 07:26 PM

no lights needed, if anything, just actinics to help coraline grow, but other than that... nah

Henry Bowman · 05/13/2007, 07:42 PM

No lights ! Durning the cycling process the orginic waste is at it's peak. With strong lighting, you could run the risk of algae growth. Without the lighting, and with water change(s) you will lower your tank's orgainc load thus lowering the chance of algae growth. The coraline that is so coveted to cover the rock will take off later. At most...you could run the actinic lights but I wouldnt risk it. In Europe, it is common for the reefkeepers to keep their tanks in the dark and fallow for months before stocking and running their lights.

skippy2 · 05/13/2007, 08:21 PM

Don't do your water change to soon though. You would only be prolonging your cycle. What I did after amm. and nitrIte were at 0 is when I did my first wc. It took my tank 18 days to cycle. I then waited another month before adding any fish.

stealthbimmer · 05/13/2007, 08:43 PM

arnt u supposed to wait til nitrates r at 0 as well?

demonsp · 05/13/2007, 08:53 PM

Its good to start with mb 1 hour a day and bring up slowly. This will help adjust and keep algea blooms to a minimum.

05/13/2007, 06:22 PM	#1
stealthbimmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 225	is light needed to cycle? Just curious if light is needed during the cycle period. I have a 75 gallon that i am setting up. I was wondering if instead of skimping on the lighting because of $$, if i set it all up and running and then buy lighting once cycle is over? This way i will have more to spend on quality lighting...

05/13/2007, 06:25 PM	#3
skippy2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 3,205	You don't need your lights yet. __________________ Peggy Current Tank Info: no tank

05/13/2007, 07:26 PM	#5
Ricepicker Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Hamilton, Ontario Posts: 146	no lights needed, if anything, just actinics to help coraline grow, but other than that... nah __________________ It's because I don't touch it. 25g Mixed reef (36x12x12) 250W 14000K HQI

05/13/2007, 07:42 PM	#6
Henry Bowman Reefing since '87 Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Allegheny Mountains of VA Posts: 2,162	No lights ! Durning the cycling process the orginic waste is at it's peak. With strong lighting, you could run the risk of algae growth. Without the lighting, and with water change(s) you will lower your tank's orgainc load thus lowering the chance of algae growth. The coraline that is so coveted to cover the rock will take off later. At most...you could run the actinic lights but I wouldnt risk it. In Europe, it is common for the reefkeepers to keep their tanks in the dark and fallow for months before stocking and running their lights. __________________ Have a good'un Current Tank Info: 90 gl SPS dominant / upgrade in the works

05/13/2007, 08:21 PM	#7
skippy2 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: S.W. Michigan Posts: 3,205	Don't do your water change to soon though. You would only be prolonging your cycle. What I did after amm. and nitrIte were at 0 is when I did my first wc. It took my tank 18 days to cycle. I then waited another month before adding any fish. __________________ Peggy Current Tank Info: no tank

05/13/2007, 06:25 PM	#2
OmegaTassadar Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Elk Grove, California Posts: 51	No, lighting is not needed for cycling.

05/13/2007, 07:20 PM	#4
stealthbimmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 225	thanks guys...

05/13/2007, 08:43 PM	#8
stealthbimmer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 225	arnt u supposed to wait til nitrates r at 0 as well?

05/13/2007, 08:53 PM	#9
demonsp Moved On Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: el paso tx Posts: 7,634	Its good to start with mb 1 hour a day and bring up slowly. This will help adjust and keep algea blooms to a minimum.