Light on or off during cycle?

[CleverBs]

I am cycling my tank with 20lbs of base rock, 13lbs of Live rock, and 2x damsels. its a 25gallon. I am wondering if I should be using my light during my tank cycle? its a 4bulb t5ho with moonlighting, I can run 2bulbs instead of all 4 if needed. Will it help my algae grow over my base rock quicker so that it looks more like live rock? I have read to leave it off to avoid algae blooms.

 

[CleverBs]

any thoughts?

 

[Henry405]

I think leaving lights on would darken the rocks more but I'm not to sure if lighting is the factor that does that.

 

[CleverBs]

I think living lights on would darken the rocks more but I'm not to sure if lighting is the factor that does that.

I would think that with 96watts of light in a 25 gallon tank the Coraline algae would spread to the base rock wouldn't it? especially if I used some form of purple up during my cycle?

 

[carey]

I wouldnt be in a rush to start adding stuff to your tank so early on. The coralline will spread naturally, it will take a few months maybe, but as long as you have some in the tank already it will go to other rocks, promsie. lol'

Running your lights during a cycle will most likely get you nuisance algae more than anything else, purple up or no purple up.

 

[CleverBs]

I wouldnt be in a rush to start adding stuff to your tank so early on. The coralline will spread naturally, it will take a few months maybe, but as long as you have some in the tank already it will go to other rocks, promsie. lol'

Running your lights during a cycle will most likely get you nuisance algae more than anything else, purple up or no purple up.

well I guess thats what im wondering I hate seeing my tank dark all the time and would love some light in it but dont want to create a bad algae problem.

 

[carey]

Yeah, probably best to just leave them off for now. If it really bothers you run them for a few hours just so you can look at the tank. I know how it is, I have an empty 55g but still run the lights part of the day so I can see it. LOL

 

[CleverBs]

do FW tanks need light right above them? would it help at all? I have a 40 gallon breeder in my basement with a 4bulb t12 fixture that hang about 4 feet above the tank and about 2 feet to the right of the tank so its not over the tank at all. is this adequate light for my fish or should I keep my 24-36" Double bright LED