How to start a mixed reef tank

[FJReck63]

Hey Gang,
My EVO 13.5 is going along well for now, next is re starting my Red Sea Max 130 tank...
It will be a mixed reef tank, so the question is....After cycling with Dr. Tim's One and Only, what goes in a mixed reef tank first? A pair of fish, or easy keeping soft corals?
It seems like a "chicken or the egg" thing, but what works well?

Thanks!

Franz in NJ

 

[rmorris_14]

I would think fish might better to go first? In my mind, fish and the food you start feeding them have a higher chance of causing parameter swings. Some corals don't like those, so it would be best to get those dialed in with your fish before adding the corals. Of course you might be able to do both at the same time, if you are adding forgiving corals like GSP or leathers etc....

 

[Dburr1014]

Fish and coral.
Fish slowly so your biological filter can keep up.
Fish poop feed coral.

 

[HudsonReefer2.0]

Hi Fran’s in Nj. Welcome. Yes fish then Mayb some soft corals. Just keep parameters stable and let the tank age some before adding others. What’s the lighting?