Hey SCHAULJ.... We have a lot in common. Red Sea 425XL here started my cycle 9-22-19 .. have had most the issues you have had. I am OCD and this is not a good hobby with that..LOL. My cycle took 5 weeks..longest wait I ever had. Bought the ApexEL controller system.. best purchase yet.. got one MP40 dialed down 20-45% tons of flow. I started having algae problems.. started to freak out... purchased Vibrant and cleaned up the algae problem.. Noticed a little stringy algae started with bubbles on the algae.. Phos low and no nitrate.. started feeding heavy and added ME Coral NO3 and it cleared up in a week... I know its a pain in the beginning but keep smiling it will get better.. pic of my tank.. and i'm still testing every other day.. PH was a major issue to get above 8.. dosing 2 part plus a few other tweaks now has my calcium and alkalinity stable...any questions just keep asking.. people here are great..
Good Luck
Good Luck