Jimboaf
We can build it
I am just about done or done with my cycling and I just have one question before I get started with the livestock. What should I put in the tank first fish or coral? Now before everyone asks me I have T5 lighting.
Fish or Corals First?
- Thread starter Jimboaf
- Start date
JohnnyDanger
Reefing newb
I just finished cycling as well and I started with a few fish.. I plan on keeping fish for a few months to make sure everything is stable and then start adding corals..
Salty B
Reefing newb
I'm a supporter of corals first. They add less of a bio load to a newly established tank and gives a new aquarist time to get used to their test kits and dealing with param swings.
bjohanson1234
.........
I would say fish. They tend to be more hardy than corals and will survive a new hobbyist that is still trying to learn the ropes.
fastrd400
It wasn't me!
I also say fish. Most corals get nutrients from our fish. Also, perameter swings will kill coral much faster than fish.
Salty B
Reefing newb
Either way can be done. For someone with some experience...sure....you know what you're up against. For someone who has only mixed up saltwater a couple of times.....GO SLOW! 95% of "beginner" corals need nothing more than good lighting to grow. Less feeding, less waste, less chance of large param swings. A couple months of testing and water changes while researching for their future livestock is an important step to becoming a good reef steward IMHO.
yote
In Memoriam
All the above posts are right. There is really no right or wrong way to go when it comes to fish or corals being added first.
Coral need the amino acids that comes from the fish waste.Though the corals use it in very minute amounts. Corals also need pretty stable parameters. Just how stable depends on the spices of coral.
Fish needs ( for the basic hardy 1st fish ) are pretty basic.They can handle have some nitrates in the water, flow isn't as important, a little food and cover and their good.
My personal opinion. Add one or 2 hardy fish first.Wait a couple of weeks and keep a close eye on your parameters. After a couple of weeks, add a soft coral like Xenia or Zoathids, Paly's, stuff that generally do well in new tanks.
The key is to research what you think you may want to add.Not just it's care requirements, but where it comes from and the conditions it thrives in, in the wild.
Don't just watch the tank, study the tank. It'll let you know what it needs when it needs it.
Coral need the amino acids that comes from the fish waste.Though the corals use it in very minute amounts. Corals also need pretty stable parameters. Just how stable depends on the spices of coral.
Fish needs ( for the basic hardy 1st fish ) are pretty basic.They can handle have some nitrates in the water, flow isn't as important, a little food and cover and their good.
My personal opinion. Add one or 2 hardy fish first.Wait a couple of weeks and keep a close eye on your parameters. After a couple of weeks, add a soft coral like Xenia or Zoathids, Paly's, stuff that generally do well in new tanks.
The key is to research what you think you may want to add.Not just it's care requirements, but where it comes from and the conditions it thrives in, in the wild.
Don't just watch the tank, study the tank. It'll let you know what it needs when it needs it.
