What comes first - the fish or the coral?

[Bigchowder]

This might be a stupid question, but I have to ask. I am a little confused what is the best way to set up my reef? Once I have added the live rock and completed my cycling, should I start adding corals first or the fish? Or does that matter?

[Jason25]

I would go with fish until you get used to maintaining your tank. I have read where people say wait 6 months to year but you should defiently wait for awhile. Don't jump the gun it will save you alot of money and lose of lives of the animals.

[goldenmean]

Well first thing you should add after the cycle is over is your Clean up Crew (CUC), snails, hermit crabs, maybe a cleaner shrimp or peppermint shrimp.
I have added corals first with both of my tanks. I add one or two hardier soft corals and then after a couple of weeks add another. Then wait a couple more weeks. With my first reef I added my first fish at about 9 months. My second tank is 4 months old now and I have yet to add fish. I like to add the fish later after my tank has had a bit more time to mature and the good bacteria has had plenty of time to multiple and handle the bio- load of fish. That is just how I did it. Others add fish much sooner and they have successful Reefs. Currently I am setting up a quarantine tank (QT) to prepare my first fish for my display tank. Here is some great info on QT http://www.reefsanctuary.com/forums/...step-step.html

However you add livestock the best advice i can give is to go slow. Add just one coral or fish at a time and give your tank a couple weeks to adjust to the new inhabitant before you get the next animal.

Good Luck!!

[Bigchowder]

Thank you so much for the information - it is appreciated!! I will definitely take the advice to heart.