Cycling with a sump

[StacyW]

Hello, iv been away from the hobby for just over twenty years and have never had a sump tank. Im just about to cycle a 60x45x45 tank with a custom sump. Using Dr Tim's and Fritzzyme to speed up the processes.

To be honest, i dont think i need lights at all until the tank has cycled properly so it it safe to leave them off until the ammonia spike has passed?

Additionally, with regards to my protein skimmer and refugium, is it not worth me starting these until the ammonia spike has passed and the nitrate spike can be seen clearly?

Obviously, checking the NH3, NO2, NO3 and KH every other day until maturation.

 

[lpsouth1978]

I would wait on lights, skimmer, and fuge until the cycle is complete. No need for any of them until then.

 

[AdamB]

Welcome back and you are correct on all your counts .

 

[cvrle1]

Having lights on as soon as tank is setup in theory should promote algae growth, and thus would get you into the ugly stage of new tank faster (and as such out of it faster too). I know that some reefers had issues when they turned lights on 1/2 way through cycling, they got algae blooms.