Corals before Fish?

[reimelr]

I have been reading several threads and posts suggesting it would be better to start a new tank by adding corals first after the cycle instead of adding fish. I would like to hear some more opinions about this. It does make sense from a bio load perspective. Would it be best to start with Softies or LPS? Thoughts?

 

[Cory]

No because corals need what fish give imo. Ammonia and fish poo are potential coral food. And so are bacteria.

 

[Phildago]

No because corals need what fish give imo. Ammonia and fish poo are potential coral food. And so are bacteria.

But what if you still feed the corals? Give them some reef roids and phyto. Maybe get a clam or two started in there as well.

I could see it being a good idea.

 

[Cory]

But what if you still feed the corals? Give them some reef roids and phyto. Maybe get a clam or two started in there as well.

I could see it being a good idea.

Done this way yeah it could work. May be safer too since corals likely have a higher tolerance to ammonia than fish.

 

[SliceGolfer]

Add fish first. Much easier to treat a fish only tank if bad juju happens. Much easier to catch fish if you need to rehome. Utilitarian fish can help the tank through the first 3-6 months.

 

[vetteguy53081]

I suggest fish first as they help establish bacteria and food source via poop for coral health.
Fish will help seed the tank. Not coral.

 

[Cory]

You know i dont think either way is much better than the other. The best way is adding a big piece of live rock.

 

[LegendaryCG]

I'm a believer in the smaller the more important.. Bacteria, phytoplanton, pods then fish and coral.