Which comes first the sump or rock?

[MT_is_a_Pisces]

I finally got the 90 gallon tank cleaned up and on the stand. What would be the next purchase? Sump, rock, skimmer,lights. I have a 55 with 5 fish, soft corals and hang-on-the-back equipment

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[JaySchulz]

I think that depends on what type of rock you plan on using. If dry rock then I would get rock first and start curing it to eliminate leached phosphates before putting them in your tank. If you plan on using live rock than the rock should be purchased after all other equipment is purchased.

 

[themagicman]

I'd definitely get your sump next and plumb it all together. Once that's done you might want to add some rocks, get an efficient skimmer and then the lights. Dry rock can be cured inside the tank if need be and live rock doesn't really need light to begin with. A skimmer is not really a necessity in the beginning either.

 

[Badger906]

You can get the tank up and running with a sump and no rock. Could go as far as adding sand and filling it. Then you've got a starting point for adding live rock