Cycling with just Live sand and plastic clamps

[Filzan]

hi everyone,

i managed to get most of the equipment to start a marine tank.

seeing all my equipment stocked up i am only left with the main item LIVE ROCKS / DEAD ROCKS my hand itchy and christmas eve is half day so thought of setting up my tank during that day.

can i start up my tank with just live sand and cycle it first. then put in the rocks about 1 week later ?

and i am currently looking for plastic hose clamps or if anyone have tried cable tie to tighten the hose on the pump outlet in the water or at the inlet and outlet of the chiller ? any idea where i can get those plastic hose clamps ? hardware store dont have. FRESHNMARINE website also never sell

[xeneryx]

C328

[SubzeroLT]

IMO, should be OK to start cycling with just sand. Ideally with rocks/biological filter media but alright to start without it.

Beneficial bacterial will continue to multiply & adhere to your sand & glass wall for a start.

I've had a hard time finding plastic hose clamps as well.

Ended up using thick cable ties.

[tofubox]

You can start cycling with basically nothing. Just that the bacteria will not be stable to handle high amount of bioload. Just make sure your rocks u get are live, and no decomposing organics to slow down the cycle.

[boyington]

Sorry a noob question, if dip the live rocks in TLF Revive or Coral Rx, will it kill off the good bacteria?

[Filzan]

Alright thanks guys looks like its safe to start the tank then.

Live rocks, hmmm i am thinking of starting with dead rocks i understand cycling will last longer if so

[domvonn]

Go slow bro .. Rushing will not help

[Filzan]

Haha alright bro domvonn thanks for keeping me in check