New to this. . . . have question, need answers please

I just took up the hobby...done alot of research for the past year, and am now cycling my tank...still, just isnt enough research that could've eliminated questions....
1st, I have 75gal marineland cornerflo tank, and tidepool II wet/dry filter...
in the tank, i have 120lbs live sand, 80 lbs of rock--18lb of it being fiji LR.
I just put an orangetail blue damsel, and a 3-spot domino damsel in yesterday to help along the cycle.
QUESTION- using API test kit, the only thing i have to worry about now is nitrate(its at 40 after a week and a half of cycling), correct?
should I be adding calcium if i intend on including any crabs or shrimp down the road?....i'm in no hurry at all..i've had all my equip for a year, so time is no issue.
QUESTION- what kinda CUC should I add, and when should I add it?
QUESTION- is there an easier way to feed these damsels in a cornerflo tank..all my food makes its way into the overflo before they can fill up..i'm losing too much food this way..should i close the valve?
QUESTION- i have a cheap odyssea skimmer...and i will be upgrading, but for now, how often should i have to empty the collection cup...it fills up quickly even though i try regulating the flo...

I would greatly appreciate any/all help in getting me thru this phase, and into the next. thanks!

 

QUESTION- using API test kit, the only thing i have to worry about now is nitrate(its at 40 after a week and a half of cycling), correct?
No. At the very least you need to be testing temp, PH, SG, ammonia, and nitrites along with the nitrates.
should I be adding calcium if i intend on including any crabs or shrimp down the road?....i'm in no hurry at all..i've had all my equip for a year, so time is no issue.
No. I quality salt mix will contain everything you will need for those inverts as you do water changes. They do not use up much calcium at all.
QUESTION- what kinda CUC should I add, and when should I add it?
Depends on what all exactly you plan on keeping and what type of wastes needs to be cleaned. I would suggest filling out the custom clenaup crew form at reefleaners.org. John there will e-mail you back a list of the particular species you need for your particular set up. I would wait till the cycle is over
QUESTION- is there an easier way to feed these damsels in a cornerflo tank..all my food makes its way into the overflo before they can fill up..i'm losing too much food this way..should i close the valve?
I am assuming your feeding flake and/or pellet? Soak it before you add the food so it sinks quickly. Or switch to frozen.
QUESTION- i have a cheap odyssea skimmer...and i will be upgrading, but for now, how often should i have to empty the collection cup...it fills up quickly even though i try regulating the flo...
Not sure with that skimmer. Sounds like you are wet skimming, which means you will have to lower the water level.
But more importantly, you should not be running the skimmer during cycling.

Hope this helps!