Do I need lighting and heating for cycling my tank?

[Valzerie]

Hi,

So I'm recycling my live rock in my saltwater tank(nothing but rock in it). Do I keep the light on or off for stuff to regrow on the live rock? And what about heating?

Thank you for any ideas

Val

 

[mr_X]

heat, yes, light, i wouldn't recommend it. ambient light from the room is enough to keep any photosynthetic creatures on the rock alive, providing they survive the cycle.
during the cycle, the water will be loaded with nutrients. this is an ideal environment for nuisance algae to take off.
after the cycle is over and you've done a water change or two, then you can turn the lights on.

 

[melosu58]

As stated above lights are not needed for cycling. It will help to keep the nuisance algea down.