do you do water changes during cycle, what about lights

Do I need to to water change during my cycle?

Should lights be on or off?

I know some people told me off but just want to hear different opinion.
I like to hear from different point of view.
Thanks

 

Don't need lights unless you want tons of algae. Water changes can go either way. There is very little bacteria in the water in comparison to your rock, but lots of nutrients in your water. Probably makes little difference either way though there will be plenty who disagree.

 

IMO not necessary to do water change during cycle. I think it just prolongs the process. I would do water change when ammonia and nitrites read zero and nitrates are on their way down. I also would leave lights off. It wouldn't hurt to turn them on for a few minutes every now and then to peek at the stuff growing on your rock.

 

x2 on that.. little lighting for now, and no water changes until you nitrates finish spiking up..

 

I agree let it cycle