Dry or Live sand with Live Rock?

[pinocchio]

Going to be ordering live rock from GulfReef or TBS this week and wondering what type of sand I should be using with their live rock. Looking to save some money and was thinking about just getting some dry sand from LFS. Was also wondering if using that Caribsea Arag-Alive Live sand is safe to use with the live rock or if it will causes issues cycling. Thanks in advance!

 

[Fish Styx]

You won't have any issues cycling with dry sand, so save some cash. If you're using live rock, you'll have more than enough beneficial bacteria to cycle. The sand will be colonized soon enough. Regardless of what you choose, make sure you rinse it all first to get rid of the fines.

 

[brandon429]

agreed, unrinsed sand will get you a clouding problem not a cycling issue, good call.

 

[ScottB]

Allocate some time and elbow grease for sand rinsing. Worth it in the end.

Agree with others -- given the live rock start no need to pay extra for live sand.