cycling tank?

Hey all, I wanna start my tank cycling and i was wondering if i would be able to put my LS and LR in the tank with water and start my cycling. I have a Koralia 4 and Koralia 3 for water flow, but I wont be getting my lights until two weeks (my cuz has them and im waiting on him). Is it okay to start cycling my tank even without light or will thigns on the rocks that need light die and other stuff like that?

thanks in advance

 

yes no lights should be on during cycle

 

Its fine and often recommended. There really shouldn't be anything on the rocks that does need light, but that depends on the hitch-hikers.

 

So are you suggesting I cycle my tank with no lights on?

 

Not running your lights will keep the algae bloom at a minimum, if you do want lights then running the blue only was suggested to me. the LR does not require lights. My tank cycled with very minimum lights on ( blue only ) and no bloom was seen.

good luck

 

I had my lights on and did 50% water changes every 2 days. Had no algae problem until after the tank was done cycling.

 

Water changes should NOT be done during cycling

 

When cycling, run your actinics and do not skim. Also, as Jason stated, no water changes. You can put a small damsel in there if you want to, but there will be enough die off from the sand and LR to start and maintain the cycle. Just test every few days and keep a log. When the NO3 dips after the first rise and then starts the second rise......you are cycled.