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| General Reef Discussion In this forum we discuss issues related to keeping marine and reef aquariums in a friendly flame-free environment. |
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02-24-2007, 06:28 PM
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#1
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,382
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Cycling .. lights on, or lights off ...
When your cycling a tank, should you cycle it in the dark, or with the lights on, or does it make any difference?
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02-24-2007, 07:53 PM
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#2
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Lynchburg VA
Posts: 60
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I left mine on but only for a few hours a day.
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02-24-2007, 08:09 PM
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#3
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Little Fishy
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: kentucky
Posts: 173
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i left mine on blue actinic on 11hrs and mh 8 |
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02-24-2007, 11:50 PM
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#4
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,382
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hmm I heard that lights should be off for cycling, thats why I am asking. Any other advice?
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02-25-2007, 12:48 AM
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#5
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spaceman spiff
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: south of Dimples
Posts: 10,636
Reviews: 72
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I think its best to cycle with lights on... it makes it easier for cars to see you.
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02-25-2007, 01:02 AM
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#6
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moddin aint easy
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: newnan, ga
Posts: 5,697
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it doesnt really matter, if you have any hitchhikers that might need light, (polyps and such) you would want to have your lights on, other wise, i can see leaving your lights off to kill off any bad algaes that may be on the rocks, save a little electricity too, if you have some good rock with coraline algae on it that you wanna keep, lights on might be a good idea too, but it really doesnt matter.
__________________
ANDY
You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing. Which is ironic, because old people are hilarious.
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02-25-2007, 04:32 AM
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#7
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I've got the REEF rash!
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: New Jersey
Posts: 34,148
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I agree with Andy!
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02-25-2007, 10:12 AM
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#8
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,382
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well there is some xenia and a clam on one rock, so maybe I should keep them on.
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02-25-2007, 12:44 PM
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#9
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moddin aint easy
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: newnan, ga
Posts: 5,697
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the xenia would like some light, but i doubt its a clam, unless you bought it, (not a tridacnid anyway) it is probably a filter feed and wouldnt need the light anyway.
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ANDY
You don't stop laughing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop laughing. Which is ironic, because old people are hilarious.
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02-25-2007, 12:48 PM
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#10
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.
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: NW
Posts: 11,333
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Keep in mind that if you DONT run the lights, that once the cycle is over and you do turn on the lights, the algae and cyano is going to have a party. I prefer to have most of that going on while it cycles.
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I like to glue animals to rocks and put disturbing amounts of electricity and saltwater next to each other
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02-25-2007, 01:13 PM
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#11
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BIG SMELLY MOD
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Denham Springs, LA
Posts: 18,739
Reviews: 21
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I run them the way i will when I stock the tank
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 Vince aka VINNIE 
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02-25-2007, 09:57 PM
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#12
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Nothing to See Here
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Canada
Posts: 1,382
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I have decided to run them, they are on timers and are running the way they will be when the tank is stocked. As for the clam, no, its not a pretty one, but a clam it is. The guy I bought the rock from pointed it out to me, its on the bottom of the rock anyways and wont get much light. Thanks to all for the advice!  |
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02-25-2007, 10:00 PM
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#13
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Eat more PIE
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Florida Panhandle
Posts: 18,610
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I cycle in the dark to kill off any bad stuff and I was told it cycles faster but it really doesnt matter probably, both ways work.
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02-25-2007, 10:13 PM
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#14
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Big Fishy
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Lakeland, FL
Posts: 951
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I left mine on while cycling plus I like the idea of keeping any light needing organisms if they can survive through the cycle.
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