Lighting Absolutely Essential?

[richrockster]

I'm in the process of gathering kit together, found that the old hood is broken beyond repair.

So... I'm going to go all "DIY" on it and make a new hood (will work out cheaper than a new one anyway) and get a new lighting unit. In the meantime, for the first month (which will not contain fish as I'll be fishless cycling) - is lighting really necessary other than aesthetic? Can I live without lighting for the first month and a half (ish)?

There will be plenty of natural daylight, as the room is very light (not direct sunlight though) so was curious...

 

[Lufbramatt]

you actually want to keep the tank as dark as possible while fishless cycling (some people even cover the tank in bin liners to keep light out) to stop algea and diatoms growing