Cycling lights on or off?
- Thread starter rwsoos
- Start date
michaeldaly
New member
I would put them on to encourage growth on the rocks, but it is also okay to leave the lights switched off.
I would not run carbon as it would weaken the cycle.
I would not run carbon as it would weaken the cycle.
zoomfish1
New member
I don't think it hurts to run lights during the cycle as long as they are not 24/7. Longer light cycles may inhance the chances of an early algea cycle to begin, but that's going to happen anyway.
The purpose of the cycle is ultimately to get the anerobic bacteria built up in the system to allow it to denitrify the system and dispose of nitrates in an effecient manner. Lights really have no bearing one way or another. It is hard to look at an empty, dark tank.
As for running carbon; I think it depends on your water source. If you use RO/DI, then I would say no. Carbon acts to take out heavy minerals from the water. End result, a polished look to the water and a purer water column.
I hope I got that right. If not, sure to be corrected. Good luck with it all.
The purpose of the cycle is ultimately to get the anerobic bacteria built up in the system to allow it to denitrify the system and dispose of nitrates in an effecient manner. Lights really have no bearing one way or another. It is hard to look at an empty, dark tank.
As for running carbon; I think it depends on your water source. If you use RO/DI, then I would say no. Carbon acts to take out heavy minerals from the water. End result, a polished look to the water and a purer water column.
I hope I got that right. If not, sure to be corrected. Good luck with it all.
