[Myka]

IMO, put the water in first, then add the rock. Wait for your tank to cycle. Siphon out any detritus off the rocks and bottom of the tank. Set up your rocks the way you want them, and make sure they are stable without sand. Then add sand, just be sure to add the sand after your cycle is over since your live rocks will be dropping a bunch of detritus off them that you don't want all mixed up in your tank. By making sure the rocks are stable without sand, then when you have critters that move the sand around they won't cause an avalanche of live rock!