Water change during cycle

[njreefer]

Haven't cycled rocks in a tank in a while so I wanted some opinions? I'm cycling 40 lbs of pukani rock from BRS. Didn't have to add anything and it started cycling within a day. I've read its better to not do water changes during a cycle, but the water is pretty murky at the moment so I'm thinking that after a week or two, I'll do a 50% water change. Will the skimmer clear up the water than much?

Also, whens a good time to turn on lights for the tank? Haven't set them up yet, but i'm guessing toward the end of the cycle is ok?

 

[MatthewScars]

"I've read its better to not do water changes during a cycle"

Id follow that advice... Who cares what the water looks like? You want to suck out the growing bacteria so you can enjoy a more 'clear' empty tank?

Just wait.

" but i'm guessing toward the end of the cycle is ok?"

When you add fish or coral, add light.

 

[KathyC]

"I've read its better to not do water changes during a cycle"

Id follow that advice... Who cares what the water looks like? You want to suck out the growing bacteria so you can enjoy a more 'clear' empty tank?

Just wait.

" but i'm guessing toward the end of the cycle is ok?"

When you add fish or coral, add light.

+1
If your rocks began the cycle on their own due to a large amount of die-off/decay, then all of that murkiness is bacteria..which you need to have to complete the cycle.
Do keep a log of the parameters (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate)to see how the cycle is progressing - no need to make yourself nuts doing it daily, every few days is fine.

No need to put the lights on as all they will do at this point is grow algae with all of those nutrients in the tank Save the cost of the electricity for when you need to be paying for it