Welp, I went a different direction. I was able to pick up a Red Sea Max E-170 with an Apex EL controller, Tunze 3055, and IM 10g tank for $1k. Included was a ton of Red Sea coral care products and a couple hanna testers. Oh yeah, and a 4 head doser and dosing container. So, I have started my cycle but I am not 100% sure I am doing this properly. I just tested my nitrates and the results were 1.91. It's been around three weeks and I used the Fritz turbo bacteria. I left my skimmer off for the last few days and I only just now turned on my light for a little bit.
Questions:
1. Should I be doing water changes while I am cycling?
2. How long should I expect to cycle if I am already building nitrates?
3. Would a pair of small clowns be a bad idea?
Any advice is welcome.