Very New and need advice on setting up Coralife 29gal tank

Hi and sorry but I am a completely new to the hobby. I am getting a Coralife 29 gallon biocube. I am looking at setting up with some live rock soft coral, and just a few small hardy fish. So I have a few questions.



Do I need to purchase a protein skimmer and heater to start the tank cycle?



How much rock and sand do I need and does it have to be live?



What are some easy inexpensive soft coral to start?



I want to do this right and take my time to setup this tank. I have searched this site and you are all the best. :dance:



Thanks for any advice........