Gonna cycle my tanks soon but have ?'s

[sfboarders]

Within the next month I plan on cycling my 100 gallon tank but have some questions.

I will be mixing RODI water with salt in a 65 gallon drum x2 for my tank. Here are my questions.

1) I purchased dry rock from BRS should I rinse it off first? If so, can I use tap or RODI water?
2) I plan on aquascaping my dry rock with live rock and dead sand and adding saltwater mixture after I aquascaped. Is this ok?
3) My sump has a refugium. Should I put sand and macro algae when I am cycling?
4) Should the protein skimmer be running when I cycle?
5) How can I avoid a smelly tank?
6) Do I need to turn on any lights when cycling?
7) Should I run my wave maker when cycling Koralia 4's
8) Any other tips during cycling?

TIA!


:)

[cdbias2]

1. I'd be soaking/curing now in your 65g containers.
2. Rock first, then sand then water.
3. You don't need sand. It's preference.
4. Yes.
5. Run carbon
6. No. If so ,only a couple of hours per day.
7. I would but it probably doesn't matter.
8. Take your time and let it cycle.

[pimpinitup6969]

1) i would throw it in a trash can with some ro water and a powerhead and change the water a few times to get any gunk off
2) yeah thats exactly what i did i think its the best approach and your wallet will thank you
3) i would wait on adding the macro to the fuge until the cycle is over
4) yes it really helps to have the skimmer running
5) it honestly shouldnt start smelling
6) i wouldnt run a full lighting cycle but it cant hurt to have them on for a couple hours a day
7) i would run it to keep the water moving
8) looks like your headed in the right direction the only other advice i can give is to be patient

[jason2459]

9) Don't freak out when algae/bacteria blooms show up

[sfboarders]

Thanks guys for the input!

As for #6 I don't have any lights yet. I guess I should have asked if it's ok not to use lights during the cycle period. I'll prolly get lights during the cycle period.