Lights off during cycling?

[newnanoreefgirl]

I read somewhere that I should have the lights off while cycling my tank so I don't get undesirable algae growth. What are your opinions on this everybody?

Cora

 

[Physh1]

Yes, it's a good idea to keep all lights off or only on for minimum hours through the cycle. It will reduce algae blooms, diatom blooms, and hair algae blooms. Prevents a ton of headaches....if you really want lights on only keep them on for maybe 2 or 3 hours a day.

Cameron

 

[newnanoreefgirl]

Thanks!

Great! Glad to hear I was reading correct info!

Cora

 

[Sugar Magnolia]

I've cycled two tank with lights and two without. The tanks without lights definitely had much less algae and diatoms.

 

[djconn]

My advice as well...just keep the lights off. One time I did keep only actinics on which seemed okay. The idea was to not lose any coralline growth on the live rock. Not sure if that really helped or not but just an idea.