Running Aquarium With No Top / Lights?

[Amador]

Hey all, I just finished building a stand to hold my 125g aquarium. I'd like to plumb it and get it cycling while I work on building the canopy. Is this viable? Can I cycle it with no lights and nothing covering the top? I have a skimmer and am using RO/DI water. Will dust or anything get in there and screw up the cycle? Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[NANOFOOL]

it is fine to let it cycle with out a top/lights, but when you are making the canopy be careful to make some vents for heat to get out of

 

[bkwudzjeep]

You should be fine....just don't set off any bug bombs or anything. I cycled my tank with no lights with no problems.