Lights cycling tank

[Casey]

Hi I was wondering should I be running my lights while my tank is cycling I have started to see some brown algae growing on the dsb? I have 175 watt mh 2vhos 100gal tank 12hr light cycle?

[hamburglar]

I have not run lights in the past to aviod algae growth. Some people do like to run a shorter photo period.

[Jimbo]

I would run them normal photoperiod, you will get the algea growth anyway, might as well get it overwith. Also the critters that came on the live rock will be used to a normal light cycle and your ecosystem will evolve with a correct cycle.

Have a good evening!

[Casie]

I agree with Jimbo. =)

There is more than one way to cycle a tank, but I prefer to leave the lights up (or cut back only a few hours). The down side is looking at the algae. But the good side is any corraline or other goodies on the rock will survive. (You are cycling with live rock, or did I just imagine that?) The trick is to get a good "clean up" crew in there as soon as your water quality allows it.

[Casey]

yes I am cycling with live rock,wanted to add clean up crew but cant cause of amonia,this is the first time i have tried cycling with lights on and first time i have had metal halides,and also my first time having algae problem so soon thats why I was asking. Casey