Dry sand vs live sand

[dan_k]

I'm setting up a tank on Saturday that's already running and has been for awhile I want to know who out there used lived sand and if there is any advantages to it since I will be using his rock that is filled with life
Now should I go with live or go with dry
If I go with dry how can I prevent a cloud up

 

[Hockeynut]

I would go with dry I really don't believe in that live sand to much. It's gonna cloud up no matter what u put in live or dry just rinse it off a bunch with rodi water before you put it in. If you put your existing rock in there you will seed your new sand. Why pay more for marginal benefits at best. Good luck

 

[dan_k]

Thank you sir for awhile there I thought I asked the meaning of life I know a novi question but I wanted to see what people thought about "live sand"

 

[NikkiT]

I am on the other side, I use live only.

I use live sand, and instant cycle products, when I set up a tank, especially when there is livestock going in right away.

 

[Hockeynut]

I do think that dr Tim's really helps. I used it and believe that it does work. It's really just the sand I question. If you are interested there is a video on u tube (sorry I don't have the link) but its the maker of dr Tim's going over what it is and how it works. Check it out

 

[downbeach]

I don't know how deep, or what kind of substrate you intend to use, but the "live" type is typically 32% more expensive than the dry. Using F&S pricing, with CaribSea Special Grade as an example: 20lbs.* of live is $24.95 per bag($1.25 lb.), 40lbs of the dry is $34.99 per bag($.85 lb.).
* Total weight, including water.
You will have some clouding, no matter which one you select. It is suggested that you don't rinse the live sand. I've never used the live type, since I think it's really more wet than "live", and didn't see the sense in spending the extra money on it, since I was buying a large amount for a DSB. I used a package from ISPF to activate it.

 

[falconut]

I just went with the dry on mine too. Definitely rinse the dry to remove any floating debris. I've added dry sand to my established tank over the years by pouring a cup into a siphon tube and waiting for most to settle before moving the tube to the next spot. It kept the cloudyness down.