Just another new guy starting a 10g tank

Hello everyone just wanted to say hello and ask a couple questions. I am new to saltwater and have been learning a lot from reading the forums.

I am running a standerd 10 g tank

a single tube Aqueon light strip (I know I need to upgrade)

aqua clear 20 g filter with everything that came in the basket

marina mini 50w heater



I set my tank up two days ago with 13lbs of live sand (3lbs from my friends established tank) and about 10lbs of live rock all from my friends tank. I used pre mixed water (I forget the brand) along with a Gallon of water from his tank. Multiple pcs of live rock have a ton of the purple everyone seems to look for and want. I also recieved a tiny crab which is a great hider and a snail of sorts that likes to bury itself in the sand. My friend told me to take it slow and that my tank would be able to handle a fish now but I haven't gotten any yet just to be safe.



My questions are should I run my filter with the media in the basket or run it empty for flow and let the rocks do the work, and will my tank cycle or not with so much sand and rock that is well established.



Sorry for the long post.