New tank need some directions!!!!

[Mking36523]

I started a 90gal saltwater tank. The pic of the tank is added the best I could since I am out of town working. I have the eshoppe r2 sump 3rd generation. I was informed that it had a refugium but upon research it wanted to protien skimmer and refugium in the same compartment. So I split it since it they are not suppose to be in same compartment. I have a refugium starter kit on order from Algea Barn. I have pink coraline algea in a bottle to start coming also. I was going to let it do it on it's own. But my daughter's wanted pink. They are so excited for this tank because they get to have dory and nemo finally. I have a plain florescent 4 ft light. I am going to buy a new light also posted in pictures this week. Actually 2 of them.
Now that I get all that done what are the next steps I have to do to be able to start adding fish and coral. What is the best fish to start off with and coral. And should I do fish or coral first or both. Just need some guidance on where to go next. Thank you

 

[Coralreefer1]

Nice set up!
You need to cycle your tank first...
While that is happening, you need to create a list of goals, the direction you want to take with regards to your tank. Is it going to be a fish only tank? Fish and inverts tank? Full blown reef tank? Specialized aquarium?
What particular fish, corals and inverts would you like to keep in your aquarium. Research husbandry, compatibility, price, availability, size and personality attributes.
Much of this has to be fostered by you!
There are too many variables that you will need to compress and remove from your list to help enable you to be the wiser. To be successful while maintaining a beautiful and entertaining aquarium from the get go with healthy livestock will be your ultimate key to your success.
Good luck...
Go slow as nothing good happens overnight in the aquarium hobby...well, maybe a couple things

 

[Mking36523]

I know I want to do a reef tank. I wanna do some clown fish and some fish on the cheaper side of the aspect because I dont wanna loose expensive fish in the beginning if something happens. I know eventually I want to have some tanks and gobees in them also. I plan on purchasing a cleaning crew. My kids really want to have like a finding dory tank so that is what I'm trying to do. But I've invested alot of money into the tank already and just dont wanna jump ahead of the game and loose alot of money.

 

[Dilan Patel]

I agree Start with cycling the tank and upgrading that light. Once cycled you can add some clownfish as they are generally pretty healthy once that looks good test for alk and calc mag and make sure they are at the levels appropriate for corals . Then you may add your first coral I reccomend zoas first as they usually do not sue nearly as much alk, calc and mag as LPS and sps. GL and look foward to seeing your tank progress.

 

[Mking36523]

When will I know the tank Is finally cycled. When the levels are all bottom out and my coraline algea has covered all my rocks?