Should I run my lights like I normally would while my tank cylces for the first time?

[jwavec]

Or should I keep the lights off until the cycle is complete?

 

[marduc]

That depends on how "live" your rocks are.

If they are noticeably covered with purple/maroon, and/or green coralline or there are still an occasional coral or 2 attached then use some light (this is more so the case with aquacultured rock as opposed to "cured" pacific rock).

If they don't really appear to have any photosynthetic critters on them then the lights out will definately help keep algea blooms in check.

 

[drummereef]

It's not going to matter much either way. If it were me, I'd turn them on.

 

[Sk8r]

I'd turn them on and start balancing your temperature at 80. That can take a while.

 

[sir_dudeguy]

Personally, i'd leave them on at least at half the normal time. Some say that lights during a cycle causes diatoms, but those are going to happen regardless of if you run them during the cycle or after it. For me the diatoms have always been done before or right after the cycle is done when i've left the lights on....IMO thats better than having them pop up after the cycle. Looks better when you start putting stuff in it.

 

[AngeloM3]

Personally.....

I'd keep lights off for the cycle..... or only leave them on for a couple hours each day.

During the cycling period.... light = MORE algae