cycling new tank

Ive read to keep my lights off while cycling a new tank, to avoid algae growth. Now today I've read to cycle with lights on. What is the best idea? Also at what nitrate level should I consider adding my clean up crew? How often should I do water changes while I cycle my new tank? Is...

I am 7 days into cycling my 180gl tank. Skimmer is a 2008(I got sidetracked) reef octopus extreme 250. I ran it a couple of hours when I first started the cycle. I need to break it in so today is the day. I cant stop it from overflowing. water is below outlet elbow and no airline...

Hi All, Ive just set up a 60 gallon tank and I have just done some water tests after 1 week. Nitrite is 0, Nitrate is 20 ppm, ph is 8.8. I am using air stones and a deep sand bed for filtration, is this normal to have 0 nitrite after only 1 week. Also the water is a brown colour I don,t know...

Hello everyone. This is my first post and I have had a really good time reading the many posts on so many topics. have been stuck on most of the "DBS,SSB,FOWLR threads that I have been trying to decide how to set up my new tank. I have a 60g that started w/DSB and did not like how it was looking...