Live Sand to Start Cycle?

[ReefNut]

Hi,Finally going to get some SW in my new 240.:bounce1:
I'm starting out with approx 300lbs of BRS dry rock and tank is going to be bare bottom.Everything will be set up and completely aquascaped.
Wondering if established live sand in Refugium area would be a good way to get things started.
GOOD or BAD ?
Not looking to add any additional rock.

 

[prattreef]

That will certainly work for bacteria, but not so well for other "critters" to populate the dry rock.

 

[ReefNut]

Does this mean all pods and visable creatures will die with the initial ammonia spike?

 

[nanoreefer22]

I think what Randy means (correct me if I'm wrong), is you won't get those creatures (critters, worms, micro bristle stars, etc) from just live sand. Those are creatures that usually hitchhike on live rock.

 

[Imbarrie]

Use live rock and a little bit of sand to start your cycle, you wont need much.

I would not add the rest of the sand at all until whatever leeches out of that rock stabilizes. There have been a lot of people getting high phosphates from dry rock, myself included.
Adding sand will absorb that crap and load your sand up. Make sure the rock is fully established and test for phos and then add sand.

 

[prattreef]

I think what Randy means (correct me if I'm wrong), is you won't get those creatures (critters, worms, micro bristle stars, etc) from just live sand. Those are creatures that usually hitchhike on live rock.

Or if they are in the sand, they won't reach your rock as easily because there is no direct contact.