Live sand during cycle

[chase33]

Is it ok to add LS during the cycle? Also, do you put it directly into the tank or do you need to clean it first. If it requires cleaning, how do you do it?

 

[Sk8r]

You really don't need live sand. It should go in with the live rock, before the cycle; and don't clean it or it won't be live any longer.

Ordinary Aragonite fine sand, CaribSea, 1 lb per gallon, is what I use.

 

[reefnetworth]

place it in the tank and cut it open and slowly pour it out and spread it if you can see. it will be cloudy for a day or three. :lol:
JDM...:smokin:......

 

[bbehring]

where are you at in your set up?

 

[chase33]

I have a 4" to 5" of sand. Today I added 50 pounds of LR and 100 pounds of base rock. Tomorrow I will pick up some fish food to add in.

 

[Chago09]

ya i bought live sand too and later found out its not really needed. Although whatever I leanred the expensive way like usual lol

 

[drummereef]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9735389#post9735389 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by chase33
I have a 4" to 5" of sand. Today I added 50 pounds of LR and 100 pounds of base rock. Tomorrow I will pick up some fish food to add in.

Looks like you have nice dsb already. 4-6" is a good depth for dsb's. If you are looking to seed the dry sand with 'live sand', just get a cup or so of live sand and put it in the tank. Your live rock will do a good job seeding the sand as well.

 

[bbehring]

Chase, has your tank cycled yet? Adding live rock may cause a spike in ammonia, nitrate, and nitrite. You may want to wait a week or two and test your parameters and then if fine, add fish. Go slow, nothing good in reef keeping happens fast!

 

[chase33]

No it hasn't cycled yet. I hope it spikes and quickly as I am ready to start the cycle now.

 

[chase33]

No it hasn't cycled yet. I hope it spikes and quickly as I am ready to start the cycle now.