new reef tank cycled what next

fish are a little more forgiving, and will give you an idea what your maintenance schedule needs to be once there is actually something needing and adding food/waste to the tank. You can do less maintenance (kind of) on coral. Once you add fish, that changes.. and that can throw off your params and schedule.
 
Good luck, hope to have my cycle going soon.

Your screen name says you may have the same other expensive hobby as myself. NHRA Superstock?
 
Do you have a QT set up? If so, go ahead and get your first fish. Then bring it home, and QT it for 6-8 weeks.
 
QT is an excellent idea and almost mandatory for fish.

As to fish or coral first, I suggest fish first. The reason is that most of the coral that can survive a new tank can be pests later. Things like mushrooms, Xenias, GSP, leathers, etc., can overgrow your tank. Once you get fish in there, give it a few months, then you'll be more comfortable as well as knowledgeable about tank maintennce and your capabilities. At that point you can consider getting the more "displayable" coral.
 
You always want to add your corals first, especially if you plan to add "with caution" type reef-safe dwellers. If you plan to any of these types of fish (pygmy angels, CBB, etc.) you should add ALL of your corals before you add those fish. Once a fish is established and you try to add a new coral, you just know the fish is going to check it out and probably take a nibble to see if he likes how it tastes. If he does, the coral is a goner. If the coral is already in the tank when the fish is introduced, there is less chance of nibbling. Get my drift?
 
I'm a gluten for punishment NHRA and reef aquariums =deep pockedts and lots of hard work to support these addictions.

Indeed, I helped my buddy race Comp Elim for 10 years, he now has a Top Dragster with a screw blown BAE Stage 5 hemi.

I have a '66 Chevelle street/strip car with a 582. Just bought a SFI case glide to replace the one I destroyed last fall :). I have a goal of 8's eventually with a street car once I put the spray to it! :thumbsup:
 
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