Do You Run Lights During a Cycle

[NY_Caveman]

Should one run their tank lights while cycling?

This is what I am thinking about.

I have always run fresh and saltwater cycles without lights to keep down on algae. Makes sense, right?

An experienced user recently started me considering running the lights while cycling a tank. Diatoms and algae will proceed naturally either way. Perhaps it is better to run the lights and push those nuisances through their natural course.

What do you do? Why?

 

[ScottR]

Should one run their tank lights while cycling?

This is what I am thinking about.

I always ran fresh and saltwate cycles without lights to keep down on algae. Makes sense, right?

An experienced user recently started me considering running the lights while cycling a tank. Diatoms and algae will proceed naturally either way. Perhaps it is better to run the lights and push those nuisances through their natural course.

What do you do? Why?

On a nano I had, I did 4 hours of lights a day to help the diatoms cycle through faster. Didn’t get much algae really. Can’t remember exactly but I remember it not being a problem. On my BB, I didn’t turn on lights because I didn’t have sand.

 

[motortrendz]

I dont run the lights till the last 2 weeks. I dont want to give nuisance algaes to get a hold when theres nothing to out compete them. I dont run the skimmer either

 

[Waters]

If I am using live rock...yes, I run the lights....if not, then not until I add livestock. I actually run all equipment other than the reactors so that everything can be dialed in.

 

[Medical_Reef]

Curious if it would actually change the severity of the ugly stage or not.