Lights during cycle?

NoWaiAma · Jun 10, 2018

Cycling question. Opinions are like nitrates. During the cycle. Post ammonia spike and pre/ total. Lights on 24/7. Lights on for what a normal schedule will be. Or lights off 24/7.

I’ve seen all. Not looking to start a debate. Simply asking for opinions and practices based on experience.

Brew12 · Jun 10, 2018

NoWaiAma said:
Cycling question. Opinions are like nitrates. During the cycle. Post ammonia spike and pre/ total. Lights on 24/7. Lights on for what a normal schedule will be. Or lights off 24/7.

I’ve seen all. Not looking to start a debate. Simply asking for opinions and practices based on experience.

I like to run my lights like they will be on a normal schedule. I consider the cycle a time for me to tweak things like lighting, dial in the skimmer, adjust temperature settings, and arrange the rockscape and flow. That way I have a minimal number of changes and adjustments to make when I add fish.

I do believe there is some benefit to running lights off the entire time. If you are worried about the algae that will eventually start growing, lights off can help with that. Personally, I like a little algae in a new tank because it can process ammonia faster than the bacteria can. I consider the algae a safety back up for my cycle.