[colleen78]

So. I've been drooling over having a reef tank for about 4 years and my husband finally bought me one last Sunday for my b-day. I'm really excited!! We have a mom and pop store here in town that just opened a year ago. We've been getting all of our advice and supplies from them.

My hubby bought me a 29 gallon biocube. The LFS sold us some live sand and told us to put it in the tank and wait until the dust cleared to get the live rock. We went and got the live rock last night.

I've been reading (yes my eyes are bleeding) in here and other places and I'm afraid we didn't start out right. Is it okay to have put everything in all at once? Is it okay if I leave the lights on while it cycles? (I am probably weird, but I like to watch the feather dusters!) Should I leave the filter running as well? Should I get a protein skimmer, and if so, which one will fit in out little cube?

I know, so many questions, I just don't want to kill anything. Oh, one more - there was a sunburst (I think that's what it's called - it's orange) coral on one of the live rocks we bought. Is there any way to help it survive the tank cycling? I don't think it's getting enough light right now because it's on the underside of the rock. Is there any way to move the little bugger?? Thanks so much! I'm hoping to one day be of some help to the noobs who follow after, but I appreciate the wisdom from all of you while I get started!

Colleen