never cured rock before

[tanksman]

should I be using a protein skimmer and filtration while im curing the rock

 

[Mike J.]

Here's an in depth article you should read. You couldn't get any better advice than this.Live Rock - Curing Guidelines - Marine and Saltwater Aquarium I'd like to add that frequent large water changes are necessary if there's ammonia detected.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Set the tank up like its been running for awhile. Lights only if you want them on. Die off will come off the rock, and cause an ammonia bloom, the skimmer will help maintain levels in the tank. No reason to let them go all haywire.