Setting up new tank...what goes in first?

[Michelle]

I have a 90g long (5') tank that is finally ready to become a reef tank. Was able to get my hands on some HD sand, have the MH pendants ready to go, as well as all other mechanical toys. Now the question is, which goes in first, the LR or the dead sand? And at what point do I add a detrivore kit and/or purchased LS? And the clean-up crew as well? As to the clean-up crew, is there any listing somewhere of just what critters take care of which messes? ie - who eats diatoms, hair algae, green algae, etc.

Thanks!
-Michelle

[Staceon]

See if this helps:
http://forums.aquariacentral.com/ubbhtml/Forum2/HTML/010530.html

[triggerhappy]

Hi Michelle,
I'm in about the same boat as you. I posed a similar question not too long ago, so I'll tell you what I learned.
Start with the sand, dry sand first then live sand and a clean up crew. Let the tank cycle. While this is going, cure your live rock in a seperate container. There will be a lot of die off as the rock cures, and it'll be much easier to clean up in it's own seperate container. After the live rock cures, add it to the tank.
As for clean up crew descriptions, try ipsf.com or saltwaterfish.com
Good luck!