Does Nitrifying Bacteria need a light to live in my tank?

[NJBillyV]

Dumb question warning!

So I'm starting a new, from scratch 34 g reef tank and I've decided to go the no live sand or rock route. My rock is all Real Reef and the sand is Oolitic Argonite (probably a 2 inch bed).

I'd like to cycle my tank using One and Only and Ammonium Chloride before I spring for an expensive light (I'm thinking Radion XR15 Gen5). So, can nitrifying bacteria thrive in tank without a light?

Should I add some bio balls/pellets to my sump? The Real Reef rock offers very little surface area so I have to rely on the sand.

Should I dump in like 10# of live sand in just to help start the cycle?

Will my 200 micron filter bag filter them out?

Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you all!

 

[PatW]

No light needed.

 

[Jason Truong]

Nah. I would def start with live sand because it'll help with the cycle. You don't need a light for the cycle, but I find it helps the tank as a whole because it gets the tank used to the lights and your basic algae can begin to develop. But no, you don't need light to cycle.

 

[Regular_Reefer]

I did not use live sand or rock either, I put bio bricks and bio balls in my sump and removed the fine filtration and kept skimmer off for the cycle process. Using ammonium chloride and microbacter it took about one month for my system to fully cycle. 60g display/30g sump. I never had the lights on other than to test the new light once when I set it up.

 

[NJBillyV]

Should I run my sump with no filter sock, or just don't use my sump, put One and Only in my tank and sump (w/ bio pellets), turn or a power head, and let it grow?

 

[Rjukan]

I would run the sump, no sock or bio pellets. Bacteria grows on all surfaces, having the sump going will help your cycle.

 

[LeftyReefer]

I cycled my new tank the exact same way. Started with all new dry sand and and dry rock, bottled bacteria, and dosed with ammonia chloride. My tank cycled fast this way. I used both Turbo Start 900 and Bio-Spira. My tank has been up and running for almost a month now, and I still haven't hung the lights yet. I've had my first fish for 6 days now, still no light. They don't seem to mind.

I'm hoping to get my lights up this weekend.

Most bottle bacteria products tell you to turn off any UV, skimmers, and remove filter socks for a couple days, to allow the bacteria to spread throughout the system and adhere to all surfaces. You definitely want the sump running if possible.

For cycling, all you need is your heater and a way to circulate the water. The rest can be added later.