Lights on or Lights off during cycling?

Discussion in 'General Reef Discussion' started by portereef, Dec 11, 2014.

  1. portereef

    portereef RRMAS Supporter

    Hey everyone I'm cycling a tank and was wondering what everyones thoughts are toward turning the lights on or just keeping them off the whole time? Also what is everyones favorite way to cycle their tanks? Inverts Fish? chemical? we all know time is the best answer is time which is good since Ill be out of town over the holidays.
     
  2. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    I don't think it matters as far as the cycle itself but algae blooms that accompany the cycle would be more vigorous with lights on.

    As far as an ammonia source there is no reason to ever use a living critter. Not ethical IMO. The no smell way that I used was pure ammonia (can get this at the hardware store or there are some products available from BRS/Drs. Foster and Smith). The tried and true is a raw cocktail shrimp but too stinky for me. A little seed live rock will speed up the process but is not mandatory as the bacteria are ubiquitous.
     
  3. portereef

    portereef RRMAS Supporter

    I always heard after a little while throw in some hermit crabs. Thats how I've done it before then add a chromis or damsel
     

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  4. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    The first thing I would add would be a clean up crew and hermits would fall under that category...but that is after the cycle is through...IE when ammonia and nitrite levels are back to zero and after a water change to reduce nitrates.

    In the Old Days I understand people just put a damsel in the tank and fed them(to obtain an ammonia source) because they were hardy and often survived the bad conditions and elevated ammonia levels that happen in the cycle. That's not necessary and seems rather inhumane to me. Not to mention that if it survives you now have a very aggressive fish in your tank that you have to deal with going forward. The best thing IMO is to let the tank cycle and then slowly add the inhabitants you really want as the tank matures and becomes able to support them.
     
  5. bigman28

    bigman28 Wrasse

    i use a piece of raw fish to cycle mine. i dont really notice a smell though but my nose does stay stopped alot though
     
  6. bigman28

    bigman28 Wrasse

    and lights off
     

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  7. Shadow1

    Shadow1 RRMAS Supporter

    In the real old days, I have kept tanks since the late 70's, we used Black Mollies acclimated to salt water. I have had them live several years in a salt system.

    I am currently setting up a 120 and have the new rock in a Brute container circulating, dropped a shrimp in and let it ride. in 3 or 4 weeks I will transfer the rock into the tank with all fresh saltwater should be ready for livestock at that point.
     
  8. Deton8it

    Deton8it President Staff Member

    Shadow,

    Are you using live rock or dry rock?


    John
     
  9. huntindoc

    huntindoc RRMAS BOD Membership Director Staff Member

    If I read that right he's using dry rock but curing it outside of the tank for 3-4 weeks. Bacically you do your cycle before actually assembly of your tank.

    One advantage to lights on during the cycle is it gives you a chance to work on your temp control/demand while temp is not critical (bacterial growth can thrive in a wider temp range than coral/fish).
     
  10. Shadow1

    Shadow1 RRMAS Supporter

    Using dry rock that was bleached about 6 months ago will test with a cheap Pai kit for ammonia and nitrite drop
     

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