[valadon]

I have just purchased a new 29g bio-cube. The guy at the store sold me everything I need to get it set-up. He said I didn't really need live sand, but everything else I have read seems to say that I do need live sand. I have 30 pounds of live rock. So before I set up the tank and put in all the non-live sand I thought I would check on here and see what advice you have. I am pretty new to this and would appreciate any help you can give. If the difference between live sand and normal sand is just the time it takes for the tank to be ready for life, then I am ok with that. But if having non-live sand will make my system less stable in the long run then I would be worried.

Thanks
-Valadon

[jvharding]

Well, In my opinion the Live sand is not necessary. The live rock will seed your tank well enough. Go ahead and start it up. Here is the order put your live rock in first. Then put sand in second in front of rock. Then add your Pre Mixed Saltwater. It's best not to have Live Rock resting on sand for 2 reasons 1 being is if you have any borrowing creatures there could be rock slide and 2 detris will thrive in the sand under the rock. You could use a supplement like Cycle or Marc Weiss Bacter Vital. To jump start the system. As far as the filtering in your Cube Remove BIO Balls and add Live Rock Rubble. This will be very beneficial in the long run for eliminating Nitrates.

[valadon]

thanks for the info

[Krazy]

I concur with Jack !!