Help with Cycling

[elderpnthrs38]

I am rather new to saltwater aquariums but I have done a good amount of research. I have everything, or am
in the process of getting everything, needed to set up a FOWLR tank. I am just looking for Live Rock at the moment,
then I will be good to go. My question is, when does the cycle start and how does that whole process work? Also, what
do I test for and what kind of kit would you suggest?

[lazylivin]

Proper response to your post would be a rather long article so I would suggest to keeping researching and reading. I will just address your questions very specifically.
Cycling your tank is the process of establishing a bacteria bed that matches that of the waste in your aquarium. Bacteria grows on any surface so as soon as you add water to the tank, a surface for it to grow on and significant amount of waste the bacteria will begin to grow.
How does it work? Click here
Test kits to monitor the cycle are
Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate
Test kits needed after the cycle are
Alkalinity
Their are a lot of test kits out there but Salifert brand is the majority vote by educated hobbyists