Do I Need To Have A Light?

[swanseastilo]

Just wondering when my tank is cycling do i need to have the light on. it gets natural light (no direct sunlight)

 

[ATK!!!]

No! If you're cycling it as a fishless cycle you don't need a light. In fact that'll probably cause you bad algae problems if you do!

 

[200sx]

from what i read from a lot of post basicaly the light is only there for you to see the fish and the fish dont need a light full stop

 

[Mowbz]

Agree and disagree with the above. The fish would have natural daylight in the wild, and so should have a period of light in the day (unless a species that lives its life 3000 meters down, and which case it wouldn't be in your tank), i think 6-10 hours is considered best, however most often agree that its better to aim this around the time your likely to be home and viewing them; 5pm till 11 pm for example. Its also advised against splitting the time into two sections in the day, apparently it upsets the fish into thinking its ben daytime twice. Im not sure of the truth in this, but can see the theory in it

However;

During your cycle, its often advised to completely cover your tank to ensure no light gets in. Its not necessary to the cycle, and it all but eliminates algae growth from the tank.

Having said this, i currently have a 16gal cycling in a fairly dark room but, uncovered. Its been like this for 2 weeks and when i switched the substrate from gravel to sand last night, there wasn't even a glint of it starting anywhere.


Best of luck with your cycle, hope its quick for you!

EDIT: Spelling

 

[StandbySetting]

The twin photo-period with the 'siesta' time was a theory to try and inhibit algal growth, but did the absolute opposite of what its critics claimed, fish don't need additional light, ambient light is sufficient. Aquarium lighting is primarily for viewing and plants, lighting a tank whilst it is fish-less cycling will cause loads of algae due to the high concentrations of ammonia.