I would save your money and get the nova extreme PRO, I had the nova extreme and it kinda fell apart on me. The Pro have better legs and rounded reflectors for better light diffusion.
You will need to get test kits for ammonia, nitrItes and nitrAtes to follow your cycle. I wouldn't waste the pH,
ca, phosphate and
alk tests during your cycle.
Once we know you ammonia, nitrIte and nitrAte readings we can further assist with the cycle question.
You centipede (just a guess with out pics) is possibly a bristleworm. I consider them a nice addition to my clean up crew.
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