live sand and rock or not

I wanted to know if it is better to go with dry sand and rock for a brand new tank. I know this would be a debate but i am afraid to introduce bad bugs into the new system. I would rather start from scratch and let it grow over time. Any thoughts on the subject? I was thinking of using a live bacteria like ONE AND ONLY. To help with the cycle. what are the advantages of starting with live rock and sand vs all dry? in other words in the long run if it makes no difference than i would rather start from scratch.

 

I would go all dry rock and then seed with a piece of live rock or a bit of live sand. The only advantage to using live rock would be the cycle would be quicker. The disadvantage is cost. live rock is typically 8 to 12 dollars a pound where dry is usually around 2.

 

+1 to skurious' post.

 

that is exactly my point. If it is just to speed up the cycle i would rather save the $$$ for fish and corals. I am not in a rush. Some times the chase is better than the catch.

 

+2

Another disadvantage to using LR are the pest hitch hikers, many of which are a PITA to eradicate.

 

I am going the same route as you.Dry rock is a 1/3 of the cost of LR. I added a 100#'s of Marco rock an will add dry sand. It might take longer to cycle my tank but, I won't get any bad hitchhikers. I will add LR but, Its man made an so there is no risk of Bad Hitchhikers. I will seed the sand and the dry rock with the MM LR and then move it down into my sump. I am not sure if the Live Sand in the bags carries any bad hitchhikers.

 

Holy cow!! 8-12 bucks a lb????? where do you get it? i got most of my rock for half that! $4-6.

 

countryboy72 what sand are you using? i am still looking. Are you happy with the marco rock i have been looking at it as well?

 

thetman36, I am happy with the Marco rock. Dry rock is very hard to get in my area. The LR I have priced out here is 9-10 dollars a pound. I am looking for sand right now too, trying to find sand that is more course than fine. Don't want it being blown all around. I have a 30" deep tank, can probably get away with a finer sand. Depending where I put my powerheads too.

 

the 210 gal i am setting up is 28 inc deep so i guess i should go with a course grain as well.