Mike, welcome to our forum, nice that you have found us, this place will be your biggest tool for learning, asking questions. When you have some time, why don't you tell us a little bit about yourself in the greetings forum, we love to hear what new members are up to.
The entrance reducer. I would leave that on for awhile. You will "feel" when it is time to take it off, the bees in the wild have only a small entrance (or a couple) to their colonies. Ask your questions, you will always get great answers, and no question is ever considered dumb or not deserving of an answer. Have the best of this great day, Cindi