Live sand vs. Dry sand

[dakotanut]

Have been talking and researching both. It seems most prefer dry sand and adding stuff to it to start the cycle. I'm going to use Hiatian rock and it is dry. What is better, live or dry sand? I'm leaning towards dry atm. Thanks.

 

[wattson]

Go bare bottom and enjoy that decision of having less headaches with your tank with future nutrient problems if you put sand in it..
youll only be not able to have a few species of fish/inverts without sand..
plus not having sand will minimize your time and labor with the tank..
you can also have unlimited flow without a sand storm when you have no sand..
BB and never going back to sand

 

[dakotanut]

I really want the look of sand in the bottom. Not into the bb tanks. They are ok just not my style. Thanks though.

 

[Maggie321]

I think either way, live or dry, it will be the same end result. A live sand bed. So pick the sand based on appearance.

 

[Pivitol]

I would go with dry because I'm cheap and you get more for your money. And I would get my own bacteria such as Prodibo, or Microbacter 7.

 

[dakotanut]

That's what I'm hearing. From all the shops in my area. Wasn't 100% sure about that. Also was given some white powder to put in with the bacteria. To make ammonia and nitrates go up during 1st cycle?

 

[Joe Batt]

With live sand, can you bring in pests, for example, aptasia etc?

 

[Vahanyos]

I’d say go for the look more than if it’s live or dry... it will become live. Just don’t re/use sand from anyone’s tank. Too risky lol

 

[mjlash22]

I have used both. End result was the same. Dry...you get more for the price. My vote would be for dry.

 

[dakotanut]

When I went to get it they were out of dry sand. Can you believe it. 2 places both out. Was gonna use black but it's magnetic and will get attached to my flipper. So got live sand. Oh well. Used Haitian dry rock though. It looks awesome! Look for my build thread in cube.