"Scott Bennett" wrote in message
.. .
So here's the question: At that point, once my ammonia and nitrates are
back down to 0, in what order should I start to add more life? I
recognize
that fish mess up the ammonia/bacteria balance, so the initial addition
will be probably just 2 small clowns, with more later. But should I add
cleaning critters (crabs, shrimp, cucumber) before I add the fish? Or
only
after the fish are there?

You can add your clean up crew, together with your clowns at the same time.
The bioload from a clean up crew is minimal.

Will cleaning critters add to the ammonia load?
Similarly, will any of the easy/soft corals add to the load there?
Everything I read says not to rush to do corals, but I'm wondering if they
will "mess up" existing balances, and if the tank has to be well-
established to add them, or if the warnings are because they are just more
sensitive to fluctuations that might come from other causes (like adding
other fish).

Corals too, do not add much of a biolad to a tank(not when compared to
fish). Corals are however, more sensitive to water conditions. It is
generally suggested to wait a bit for corals for two reasons. First, it
allows you, the aquarist, to gain experience with operating a tank, and
caring for its inhabitants. Second, it allows the tank to mature, and thus,
stabilize more quickly as bioload is added.

hth

--
Harald
130 g Skimmerless SW Tank
290 pound 6" DSB
70 lbs LR
3 B/G Chromis, 1 Tomato Clown, 1 Lawnmower Blenny, 1 Flame Angel, 1 Foxface,
4 Soft Corals.

20 gal Skimmerless SW Nano
80 lbs/6" DSB
31 lbs LR, 1 - 3-Striped damsel, 1 Blue Devil, 1 sm. Tang