[bmshehan]

hey there, and welcome! lots of good info on this site! --- my 2 pennies... i added about 40 lbs live sand and 21 lbs base sand (got a good deal), and then 43 lbs. live rock for starters. i will add rock as i go. i then added 2 percula clowns and 2 yellow tailed damsels (bought them all off a friend for $10) and used the fish to cycle. as otty says "tree huggers" will tell you not to cycle with fish but it is a darn good way to go, and all 4 of my fish survived. if i had it to do over again i wouldn't put live rock in, just dead, but cured rock (ask otty). and then you wait... and wait! "go slow & let it grow" i got 2 yellow tailed damsels (one of the hardiest fish u can buy) i am gonna fish out tomorrow to get rid of... don't know anyone who will use them so i will probably give them to petco for free so they can make a profit pm me if u want them and as long as you pay the shipping they are all yours!! good luck and welcome again!