Basically poor it in. Depends on what order you want to do things.
I filled my tank about 2 inches short of full. Started adding salt, and made adjustments until salinity was right. Put in the power heads and let it mix.
Wait a day.
Then get your sand, LS, LR or what ever else you plan to get started with for cycling -don't use damsels unless you plan to keep them and even then cycling with fish is cruel in some ppls opinion.
Adding dry sand will make your tank cloudy for a couple of days. Avoid crushed coral you'll regret it, and search the board for substrate recommendations.
[ August 21, 2001: Message edited by: fender ]