First nano reef tank, on the right track?

[Richs2k6]

I have a 14 gallon tank that I am hoping to get running this weekend. I built a hood that houses 12 LED's I purchased from Rapid LED. There are 6 white and six blue that are attached to a 16x4 heat sink (tank is about 20 inches long). I've read that it is better to keep the top of the tank open but I already built the hood so hopefully you all won't tell me to scrap it. My only concern is that the lights only sit about 3 inches from the top of tank so I didn't add the optics but I did choose 80 degree optics just in case I want to add them. For circulation I chose a Koralia Evolution (550gph). I purchased an Aquarium Pharmaceuticals saltwater master test kit and a refractometer for testing.

Next I want to add some live sand/rock. I've read that about 1.5 pounds per gallon is what I should be shooting for. Should I add all of the sand and just a few pounds of rock to start the cycle and then add the rest once it's complete? And no water changes while it's cycling?

I did a lot of research and hope I'm on the right track. Any suggestions would be appreciated. I had a saltwater tank in the past which did well but this is my first attempt at a reef tank.

Thanks,
Rich

[chefgreg]

Add all of your rock/sand at one time (unless you are using dry rock) live rock later could start another cycle.

[TjwBlake]

^+1

Also, post in the Nano section of the forums if you haven't already, you'll get some more specialized advice from the folks there