Fish or corals first?

[bradsark]

I read conflicting information on whether to add fish or corals first? I have a 150 gallon tank, 150 lbs live rock, live sand, mh & pc lighting. I think the tank is just about finished cycling. Should I add fish, corals, or clean-up crews first?

 

[Anonymous]

I don't think there are hard-and-fast rules for this, but if you plan on keeping delicate corals or sps I would not stock them for a while yet. Even when the cycle is finished, the conditions in your tank will not be very stable for few more months, and the touchier corals need stability as much as anything else.

 

[Reefguide]

How long into the cycle are ya? I would add a few cheap damsels first just in case...

 

[O P Ing]

hi.
Don't add damsels if you already have rock in there. These devils are very difficult to catch if they have hiding space.

I would suggest adding the hardest livestock that you are going to keep first.

 

[bradsark]

How long into the cycle are ya?

about 4 weeks

 

[reefann]

Unless you want the damsels for good I would not put them in. They are a pain in the ass to catch. And if you want delicate fish in the tank damsels would not be good. They will own your tank.
JJ
_________________
Mercedes 230

 

[bradsark]

ok, so I won't put damsels in there. So it seems 1/3 of the info I read says to add fish first, 1/3 says add corals, and 1/3 says to add clean up critters first. It doesn't look as if there is much agreement here either so I am thinking that it really doesn't matter much.

 

[Will C1]

you dont wan to add clean up critters yet, there's nothing to clean up, also corals need a very stable environment so if you want a bare tank for a while let it sit 2 more mo's then add corals, or you can add your heartyist fish and wait a month then add another fish wait a month then add some corals, provided its teasts fine of course.

 

[Henry1]

While its a common practice by many new startups to put in damsels, I felt its time we shift the mindset as today's technology and knowledge of marine have advanced significantly to do things differently. In the past, marine aquaristics are fish predominant. Today, that have changed.

The 'put-a-damsel-in-and-see-how' can now take a back seat.

I find building up with hardy inverts first approach have its advantage as they, being photosynthetic and mostly filter feeders do not throw out a lot of waste, unlike fish.
Simple inverts like star polyps, zoanthids, soft leather and mushrooms are good starters. As they are also mostly attached to LR, its presence also help the breakin period to stabilise, by then, making way for higher corals and fish.

Just my 2cents

Cheers and happy reefing

 

[Go Fish]

hi.
Don't add damsels if you already have rock in there. These devils are very difficult to catch if they have hiding space.

Also if you move the rockwork around and stir up the sand, as we did to catch our damsels, You may as well start over :?