A new day-new question!

Copepod explosion = good thing!
Algae formation = normal tank cycling
Cleanup crew = maybe a few snails, IMO Wait on crabs a few more weeks.

protein skimmer = not needed
Lights = only when looking at tank otherwise turn off.

Sounds like it going well and your right on schedule. As far as ammonia rise I never experienced a rise on my 16 gallon, at least not so you would have noticed at least. my 10 gallon was a different story.

 

Thank you!
I love those concise answers. Its all going well then.

Everyone keeps talking about your cycle is finished when ammonia and nitrites are 0. Well, I wondering if my levels are EVER going to change.
Patiently waiting....................

 

Like I said my 16 gallon's parameters never even left 0 on any of them during the cycle, why I couldn't tell you. Even after I added my clown they never changed. thought it might have been my test kits but them I tested my 10 gallon and it was off the charts.

Funny thing is only difference between the two was the amount of water, sand and rocks. Sand and rocks came from same box, just split it between the 2 tanks.

And yours has only been cycling for 2 weeks, be patient. If your not you will regret it, trust me. Someone I know just lost their whole tank in my opinion it was because they rushed it.