Well after overcoming many challenges I finally got water and rocks in the tank just to test and get the skimmer and sump, etc running as a test.
The water is cloudy mostly from rock residue but the skimmer will get that as it is already skimming with pure virgin water. Also not colorful because I am waiting to hang my lights until I am done. Just normal house lighting here.
A few more tweaks here and there, and finalizing my rocks, and I get to cycle! YEAH!
I must say i have a new appreciation for folks that set up large tanks! It has been more work than I ever realized. I still have trim work, plumbing, sensors, wiring, lights blah blah blah left to go! A LOT of work!