Fish or coral first?

[JGARCED1]

My tank is about a week out, if that, to be done with the cycling. I'm wondering if it makes a difference at all to put fish first or coral first. Any advise?

 

[Sk8r]

YOur cuc should work for 4 weeks while you have a fish in quarantine or Tank Transfer protocol, but you can put in coral. Be sure to use an appropriate dip...Coral RX or whatever is right for the species you choose. Corals have pests just like fish, only you can dip the corals effectively.

 

[JohnnyHildo]

^ awesome advice.
as much as i want to get things swimming in the tank this makes perfect sense to me.

 

[A.Astore]

I looked at it as coral being placed in the system meant a reason to feed the tank other than just feeding the CUC and it was something to look at. I think in a round about way it is essentially placing a bioload on the system as well which will help to prepare the tank for your fish which was not my original reason.

 

[flamingdragon]

YOur cuc should work for 4 weeks while you have a fish in quarantine or Tank Transfer protocol, but you can put in coral. Be sure to use an appropriate dip...Coral RX or whatever is right for the species you choose. Corals have pests just like fish, only you can dip the corals effectively.

First you want to add your cleanup crew then a hardy fish like clown fish or maybe a soft coral? Happy reefing...

 

[JGARCED1]

YOur cuc should work for 4 weeks while you have a fish in quarantine or Tank Transfer protocol, but you can put in coral. Be sure to use an appropriate dip...Coral RX or whatever is right for the species you choose. Corals have pests just like fish, only you can dip the corals effectively.

thanks a lot!

 

[JGARCED1]

I looked at it as coral being placed in the system meant a reason to feed the tank other than just feeding the CUC and it was something to look at. I think in a round about way it is essentially placing a bioload on the system as well which will help to prepare the tank for your fish which was not my original reason.

thanks!

 

[JGARCED1]

First you want to add your cleanup crew then a hardy fish like clown fish or maybe a soft coral? Happy reefing...

really appreciate it!!!

 

[Sk8r]

And, let me add, test your phosphate AND nitrate. You want phosphate low enough you won't have an algae bloom arriving that drowns your coral---and coral likes nitrate under 20 and lower than that if you can manage it. For soft coral you need those tests plus alkalinity test, which should be around 8.3. For stony coral you need all those 3, plus calcium (s/b 420) and magnesium (s/b) ca 1300, 1350. Corals are easy if you have the lighting (T5 or MH or reef LED) and test your water. Theyr'e living filters, so you can't overstock them.

 

[JGARCED1]

And, let me add, test your phosphate AND nitrate. You want phosphate low enough you won't have an algae bloom arriving that drowns your coral---and coral likes nitrate under 20 and lower than that if you can manage it. For soft coral you need those tests plus alkalinity test, which should be around 8.3. For stony coral you need all those 3, plus calcium (s/b 420) and magnesium (s/b) ca 1300, 1350. Corals are easy if you have the lighting (T5 or MH or reef LED) and test your water. Theyr'e living filters, so you can't overstock them.

wow.. lots of info.. thanks a lot there buddy