LR and LS placement questions:

[kablamo]

Ok, tomorrow, actually tuesday cause LFS is closed on mondays, I am going to get My saltwater, 3 domino damsels, and get my cycle started.
I've often heard that a cycle will start with only the water and a filter and something to create ammonia (damsels or dead shrimp)
I've decided to go with the damsels on this one, so i am curious.
When i get around to buying my LR and LS, what is the best way to put it in my tank? Do i need to drain my water? or just deal with a sand storm? I think that if i put the LR when the tank has no water, the force of adding the water would knock some of the rocks down... I guess my question is what is the best way to add LR and LS to a tank filled with water, I don't quite have the funds to add LR and LS right now.
PS, please don't tell me i'm in the wrong hobby because of no funds... I get that a lot, and i know, but I am sticking with it and going slowly!

 

[autopilot]

I added my LR and LS after I added my water. I just scooped the LS in little by little instead of just pouring it in.

 

[bigsteve]

I wouldn't reccomend the damsels... and if you just have to have them, get yellow tails. The domino's are very agressive, and I know a few people who almost lost a couple fish due to their constant fighting.
I personally got two yellow tails to start my cycle, and ended up giving one away to a friend with a nano tank, and kept the other. He's chilled out a little, but he still doesn't like it when new fish come into his tank.
I'd go with the shrimp... they don't fight back... lol

 

[kablamo]

how about the 3 stripe?

 

[boomper]

I second that........even though damsels can cycle a tank it stresses them as well. I unknowningly used damsels to cycle mine and regreted doing so. Additionally, if you add rocks and decide you dont want the damsels anymore (as I did), you have to break your tank down to catch them all.