During the cycling phase of your tanks development, you will experience readings all over the place and some pretty elevated readings at that in my opinion!
Having said this, I would run the skimmer, keep the lights off(thus the need for plants-algae) becomes a mute point and should not be added during this time!
It could take anywhere from a month to two months for the cycle to run its course naturally. Adding live sand and rock will help along with the addition of a couple hardy fish or a thawed out frozen shrimp dropped into your tank.
Best of luck! _________ 125gal.w/Mag9.5 return(dual megaflow)>Mag7 pump Aqua Cev180skimmer.Wave2k Hamilton Reefstar(2)250watthqi(mh)pend.a Yellow, Naso Tang Red Lip Blenny Percula Clown Demoiselles Niger Trigger F. Wrasses Ceriantharia Orn.Shrimp and Stars Hermits Queen Conch asst. snails> Stars Zoos shrooms Montipora Brains Gorgonians Favia Turbinaria(large+small polyp) Acropora Xenia Tridacna (CroceaMaximaSquamosa) Leathers <35+75gal.reef tank as well> 
"IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING...IT'S ME"  jb  |