Live Sand?

[annahhayy]

So I’m starting the building process of my first 29gal clownfish tank and had a couple questions. First off, can I use live rock only without having to use live sand? I can acquire both, but I have a crap ton of unused regular sand that I want to use up if I can use it safely without NEEDING live sand. Or would it be possible to mix live sand and regular sand? I just don’t want to buy that much live sand if I can avoid it (obviously I will pay for it if it’s absolutely necessary)

 

[lapin]

You dont need live sand. It will become live by itself. Just add salt water.

 

[Idoc]

Yes, you can use dry sand with the live rock for cycling. I'd rinse the dry sand until you don't get any "dusting."

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Agreed. By "regular" sand, I assume you mean aragonite sand, not silicate sand.

 

[Murica]

Before adding, I’d check out some threads about bare bottom tanks. Wish i knew the benefits of bare bottom before adding my sand cause it took forever to get it all out

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Before adding, I’d check out some threads about bare bottom tanks. Wish i knew the benefits of bare bottom before adding my sand cause it took forever to get it all out

I'd like to go bare bottom, but I have an LTA that is doing wonderfully and has his foot firmly planted in the sand bed.

 

[Murica]

I'd like to go bare bottom, but I have an LTA that is doing wonderfully and has his foot firmly planted in the sand bed.

Bare bottom definitely has it’s perks but i think in your case it’s definitely not worth it. Any pics?

I have heard of ways around sand dwelling creatures, such as putting a small container of sand in the tank for wrasses or clams to bed in, wonder how’d that do for lta

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Yeah, I'll get you a good one when I get back to the house.

Here's one I have on my phone now

 

[ThePurple12]

Beneficial bacteria quickly spreads to every surface in the tank, so using live sand isn't necessary.

 

[CavalierReef]

When I see a bare bottomed ocean floor, I'll try a bare bottomed tank.

 

[Murica]

Yeah, I'll get you a good one when I get back to the house.

Here's one I have on my phone now

Dayyyyyuuummmmm haha looks awesome

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

Dayyyyyuuummmmm haha looks awesome

Pics from tonight

 

[Murica]

Pics from tonight

Do they ever move like bta’s i want one really badly but get nervous with other corals

 

[AllSignsPointToFish]

It moved one time to it's current location and has been there ever since. My experience is that they don't bother corals too much, but they will definitely hold their own against ricordea mushrooms!!