eric borneman's cycle article

[sschreiber]

I just read this article and have a couple of questions:
1. When I add live sand, live rock, and water, things start to happen as Eric described. Do I leave the lights off and just let nature take its course? When bacteria starts to grow and algae starts to show up do I just leave things alone? People in this forum say no water changes during the cycle others say water changes are fine. Do I fight the algae or just let it take care of itself?
2. What about when the hair algae? Does it take care of itself or do I fight it?
3. What about my sump? Do I run it or not?
I fought a 55 gallon tank because I was impatient. Starting over with a 90. I want to do it right. Lead me oh experienced ones. Please.

[CarmieJo]

1. There is no need to use the lights during the cycle unless you want to use them for your own viewing. I don't do water changes until the ammonia and nitrite both go to zero. Diatoms will take care of themselves.
2. In my experience, even when cycling as Eric recommends, you have to fight the HA.
3. I run my sump. If you are using part of it to grow macro I would wait to add it until the initial cycle is over.