Isn't it supposed to be at 0 before I move on?
Look for zero on ammonia and nitrite befor moving on. The time you left the rock out probably caused a little die off, but nothing to freak out about. They ship the stuff in wet newspaper for 48 hours, your couple hours didn't hurt at all. The reason you are being told to feed the tank is to make sure you get a robust cycle. I use a piece of uncooked shrimp to cycle a new tank. I like to see the ammonia hit 3 or 4 and then go down to know everything is working.you didn't really mess up doing the water changes, but may have cost yourself some time. A few days at this stage is meaningless anyways, more important to do it right!
P.s. Is this the same tank with the new damsel and snails? Could be in for a rough ride if so, but again not impossible. If the fish is in the tank ignore what I have written and do a water change every time you detect ammonia or nitrite for the livestocks sake, or see if they will take the livestock back until the cycle is over. Good luck!
