New to saltwater??

[SeaHorse_Fanatic]

As with almost everything in this hobby, its about what works for you & your own experience. For some reefers, barebottom is best. Others like a small sand bed. Others love deepsand beds.

Some advocate the fishless cycle. I usually have a hardy fish in the tank to help feed the bacteria. Some may think that it is cruel to that first fish to put it into a cycling tank. My theory is that the bacteria culture will only multiple to meet the needs of the tank, so without a fish in there to release some waste, there won't be as many bacteria when I finish cycling.

Both systems work. It is up to you whether or not to put in the first hardy fish or to go fishless & add fish later but slower. Either way, once you do start adding fish, don't rush because you have to let the bacteria catch up to the new bioload.

Anthony