Newbie: Cycle Question

[RevChrissy]

I'm new to SW and I have some questions I'm hoping you guys can help me with! I'm about 2 weeks into my cycle.

My setup:

29g
Remora Skimmer MJ1200
AC300
40 lbs LR
Coral Sand
Coralife Lunar Aqualight Deluxe Linear Strip PCF (2x65W)

Question 1: Do I keep the lights on during my cycle? My LFS said no.
Question 2: I read in the skimmer instructions that there is a break in period of 2 weeks or so. Right now, there are barely any foam but mostly brown water in the collection cup, is this normal?
Question 3: The water is kind of greenish brown. Is this normal from the cycle and live rock die off?

 

[fareforce]

#1 Run your lights as you will normally run them. During a cycle is a good time to perfect the adjustments for your timer.

#2 yes. that is the normal break in. The lack of brown stuff is due to a very low bio-load.

#3 Someone else will have to help there.. My water never did that. What are your water parameters?

 

[mattvisocky2003]

Well, I have a few questions. Are you also curing the LR? Also, do you have any test kits and access to RO/DI water? Your cycle will vary from tank to tank. I would keep the lights off mainly because you don't need them on and you will get a mass of algae with them on right now. If you are also curing the rock your water will be brown and your skimmer will pull out a lot of gunk. If you are not curing then it may be an algae bloom or bacterial bloom if it is cloudy. All skimmers have a "break-in" period, but they all vary on time frame. Make sure you get test kits and take it slow.

 

[RevChrissy]

The LR is being cured. My test kits show that Ammonia is nearly 0, and Nitrite is above 5.0ppm (off my chart) and PH is 8.2 grav is 1.024

 

[bertoni]

Greenish brown skimmate sounds reasonable to me. The SG is a little low, IMO. I target about 1.026. Some water changes might help, if you have the energy.

 

[RevChrissy]

It's okay to do water changes during the cycle?

 

[bertoni]

Sure. The changes should help reduce animal losses, but they do take time and cost money. I wouldn't drive myself crazy doing them.