Where were you told not to run a skimmer during cycling? I'm pretty certain that every book I have says that you should use one. The liverock you purchased contains bacteria and micro oranisms that you want to preserve because they will make up the natural biological filter for your system. Killing them off with toxic ammonia, nitrite and nitrate doesn't do you any good.
Maybe pick up some good reading material for sitting in the airport and the plane ride over.
Building a Proper Marine Aquarium Library
by Pro, Steven
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2008-01/tips/index.php