Corals or Fish which comes first?

Just getting a new reef started, hopefully leak check can begin this weekend. I have a RedSea Max 250, 65 gallon, I will be carefull about the tank cycle process after installing the live rock, including a "cleaning crew". But when all that is complete and the water tests stable, which should go into the tank next, fish or corals, I seem to get both answers in books I have read?

Thanks for your help.

 

It's up to you.
Fish won't need much else other than filtration, heater, skimmer...
But with coral, you'll need to keep up magnesium, calcuim, alkalinity, and strontium.

 

From what I've read and heard, add the fish first. Let the tank get used to the bio load of them then start looking into adding the coral.

 

K+ Corals are much more sensitive to nitrates than fish. When you add your fish nitrites may build up temporarily until the bacteria get used to the bio load. Add them one at a time every couple of weeks at most and when your happy with live stock add your coral. You may be able to add some easy corals such as zoas or shrooms while adding fish also they are less sensitive.

Those look like awesome setups I want to see some pics.

 

I always start with fish , but then may add corals before next fish , and alternate
Also if you plan on having dwarft angels, then its probably better to get them after the corals are in and established

most fish will regard subsequent introductions to a tank as a potential food source
if they are there when the fish arrive, you might "depending on your luck" not have a problem with the angel and coral pecking

Steve

 

I always start with fish, bio load is important, too many too fast is bad! Take this hobby slow and it will reward you kindly~