Fishless Cycle

[WeLoveReefers]

I am set up a 55 gal tank for reef. I am doing the fishless cycle with live rock and live sand. I am hoping the cycle will be done with in 2-4 weeks? What my question is should I be using my 220 watt led light during this process. Does lighting effect the duration of the cycle?

 

[reepher]

Id use the light it will give you some algae growth. Id give it atleast 4-6 weeks. Maybe start with some cheap fish at the 4th week to test it out if your levels are all good.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

It is not necessary to run the light while the tank is cycling. I would ghost feed the tank some flake food or pellets and monitor for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate spikes. This way you will know that the tank can handle the fish load when you introduce your first fish.