When to add Protein Skimmer and Light

Now that my 90gal is starting to cycle ;D. I have two more questions. As I understand it light is not necessary during the cycle but, some light is helpful. So, I bought the Aquaticlife T5 6x54 fixture . Should I turn it on for two to three hours each day? The second question is when do I need to get and install a protein skimmer? I plan on FOWLR initially and after a year or so to transition to a reef tank. I have a 90g about 110 lbs of rock, and wet/dry sump with filter pads and bioballs.

 

you dont need either until the cycle is one

 

i agree with sam. get the skimmer going once you start slowly stocking. then you want to start pulling matter out of the water. lights the same , but it is kinda nice to have some light on , just to see nothing going on while cycling.

 

i would minimize light until you have coral. light brings algae. not that you can't turn it on from time to time or anything for fun.

you can start skimming whenever you want... but it's not going to do you much good until you have fish in there...

 

I agree with all of these guys, that responded. If you don't have a skimmer yet, I have a spare SWC 160 Xtreme skimmer on my hands that I have no use for since, I already have one in my tank, you can buy it off me if you'd like. If you need any other equipment, just let me know.