finally started my tank cycle with live rock. couple questions.

[Seamazter]

Originally Posted by kevNnic

How soon will i notice a change in my dry rock. couple weeks?

Your dry rock will turn dark when you 1st add it to your tank, after your tank is cycled it will contain benifital bactiria and pods, some time after that depening on many paramiters of your tank it will start to grow coraline algea.

Originally Posted by kevNnic

How often should i be checking my levels? daily? weekly?

You will only need to check the amonnia for the 1st week to 3 weeks, once it reaches zero your tank is cycled providing that you have zero nitrite, the nitrate should then be fairly high, do a water change and test again.

Originally Posted by kevNnic

Should i run my skimmer while i cycle the tank.

No, here is where you want to increase the bioload to start the bactirea grown, using the skimmer will not be benifitial, however depending on your tank setup you must keep your water ariated and if you have no other options then your skimmer use it on the lower setting so that it does not remove any skimmate.

Originally Posted by kevNnic

Should i run my t5 light (4bulb 165w) for a couple hours a day to stimulate growth?

No not at all, all you will do here is grow algea on the rocks and your glass.