[ignath]

I have heard that the lights should be off and that the lights should be on. Someone please give me some guidance. Lights make sense to me, but I am new to the hobby. Thanks!

[passinetti2007]

When I cycled my tank, which was only a month ago. I had my lights operating like they would be if I had livestock in the tank. It's just easier to have your system in place so when you do put stuff in the tank it's ready. By system, I mean having your lights on a timer so your tank has the natural effect of sun rise and sun set. You'll want to have live rock in your tank while you cycle so since the rocks have living organisms on them and living bacteria you'll want that natural effect the sun has on the ocean. I'm not sure if it has an effect on your tanks cycle but it's closer to nature if you do it this way.

[ignath]

Thanks. I do have a timer and was going to set it up, but I started receiving all kinds of conflicting info. Thanks for your help.

[jvharding]

Start your lighting out around 6 hrs a day gradually increase to about 10 hrs when your tank cycles you may get a algae bloom this can be controlled by reducing your lighting for a short period and a water change. Good Luck

[ericwebster]

Unless you have fish in the tank (you shouldn't) it really won't make a diffrence. You may see an algae bloom as JVHARDING said which is expected.