Cycle Tank

[Paulhoff]

Hi, just setting up my first tank in years, finally got all the rock sand ro unit and equipment and keen to get going. Problem is my rock is ‘old dead rock’ from a mates tank that’s been in the shed for years. I’ve decided to cure this using this bleach method as it’s the quickest cheapest option 1-2 weeks, seems madness but the internet seems to tell me it’s safe?!?. So my question is, is there any benefit to me setting up the tank now to start the cycling with live sand and water only, I assume not as I guess the rock is the main ingredient in the process but with an ask ....
Thanks

 

[lapin]

I find its easier to put the rock in then the sand. You want the rock to sit on something solid and not move if a critter digs under it.
Bacteria will populate the sand and you could place the rinsed sand in a container with salt water to get it started. How much it will speed the process of cycling your tank is debatable.