I would put in the sand then the rock (that's just my personal preference, I don't believe it matters either way), make sure you put the rock on the bottom, in case you want to get any sand sifting critters, otherwise they can move the sand and your rock might topple.Also is there a way the rock should be put into the tank? Sand or rock first?
I think you will end up moving it a few time before you are happy with how it looks! I like to have a cave or two.How should it be stacked?
That will work. You might want to try a mixture of base rock (cheaper) and either cured or uncured rock.The LFS said that I should put uncured rock in as this will cycle the tank is this correct?
Live sand is SUPPOSED to have beneficial bacteria in it. I am not sure if it is really the case, as the sand sits in a warehouse then in a hot truck and then to the LFS where it sits on the shelf. I would go with the dry sand they sell. It's cheaper!What is LIVE sand?
I suppose some people do that. Maybe they are trying to build a cave or something like that. I push mine down so that it rests on the glass bottom. If you decide on sand sifters (good idea) or burrowers (sp?), they could possibly topple the rock.I have read that when putting live rock in that you put it on a shelf to keep it of the substrate is this correct
I don't think that is a true statement, where are you getting that info? If we didn't have perfect water conditions, our critters wouldn't live very long. It just takes some TLC to keep your water clean and the parameters in check.Also I have been told that it is almost impossible to get the water right as it is always to high to low!