When should I expect an algae bloom/ diatoms in my cycling process?

[Rmcuddy]

I have begun cycling my 125g tank with Dr. Timms ammonia and bio spira. My setup consists of Caribsea Life Rock and Caribsea fiji sand. I have followed the instructions on the Dr. Timms label, and this is where I'm at. I'm on day 18, have been adding ammonia every day and coming up with 0 ammonia and .25-.50 nitrite the next day. Nitrates are 100. This is the point of the cycle where I would expect to see algae or diatoms but have none so far. I have the water temp set at 72 and dont run the lights at all. The aquarium is also in a basement, where it never sees daylight either. Is it possible for it to be about cycled and not have any algae?

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Algae needs light. Cyano and diatoms too.

 

[Deiblerj]

You can expect algae, diatoms, uglies for about the first year lol.

But seriously, you can cycle without have much of an outbreak. My cycle was like this. I used live sand and a lot of live rock. I didn’t see much algae or uglies until about a month or two in. Went through a terrible outbreak. Some consistent water changes, checking your parameters regularly and understanding what is causing the uglies is key.

Tanks take a while to mature and stabilize. Even stirring your sandbed too much can cause algae or diatoms to suddenly pop up.