Live sand

Discussion in 'Sand' started by hawk, Jul 25, 2010.

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  1. hawk

    hawk Plankton

    Joined:
    May 15, 2010
    Messages:
    1
    Hello every one, I am new to this hobby and i am starting up my jbj 28 gal. HQ. Will live sand help the tank cycle with out useing live rock.I have the base rock in the tank but no live rock at this time.
    Thanks Jeff:eek:
     
    hawk, Jul 25, 2010
    hawk, Jul 25, 2010
    #1

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  2. 2in10

    2in10 Super Moderator

    Joined:
    Aug 6, 2009
    Messages:
    19,258
    Location:
    Sparks, NV
    Live sand is a waste of your money, minimal biological filtration goes on in the sand. just buy dry aragonite and use the money saved on upgraded skimmer or lighting or something similar. Just place a table shrimp in the tank to start a cycle.
     
    2in10, Jul 25, 2010
    2in10, Jul 25, 2010
    #2
  3. coral reefer

    coral reefer Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jan 9, 2006
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    4,860
    Location:
    Wonderland
    IMO it would be more beneficial for you to buy live rock and dry aragonite sand. Dry aragonite sand will end up becomming teeming with life eventually. If you felt better with live sand, you can seed it by adding a small amount from any mature tank such as a friends or from your local pet shops tank( ensure that it has NOT been medicated in any way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)...
    Live rock provides efficient surface area for bacteria to grow to break down ammonia, nitrites and nitrates associated with the nitrogen cycle.
    The three bacteria are as follows:
    Nitrosomanas...Nitrosospiras and nitrosococcus and varying strains of each which aid in breaking down ammonia to nitrites and nitrites to the least toxic form of nitrogen, nitrates.
     
    coral reefer, Jul 27, 2010
    coral reefer, Jul 27, 2010
    #3