Cycling a new tank with live sand

[SJReefStarters]

Hello all!

This is my first post. Finally committed to start a small reef tank by buying a BioCube 14g (well, it's on back-order). The store suggested some essential starting supplies, so I bought those. Among them was live sand. He said that by using live sand, it would cut my cycle time drastically. The water in the bag looks a tad cloudy, but I'm not sure whether that's just normal or not. Although I'm in no rush, I'm curious if anyone has started with live sand from the get-go. Other goodies I bought included a hydrometer, thermometer, bag of salt and chemicals for tap water. Still need a test kit for ammonia, nitrates, etc.

Also, what are the benefits of mixing initial water yourself versus just buying water from the local store? Where we live the tap water is very hard...lots of mineral deposits end up everywhere. I bought 2 water chemicals and a bag of salt at the recommendation of the local shop, but am wondering if instead it'd be best to just buy water? Is the water that shops sell usually something they mix locally, or actually have delivered to them? If so, then they'll be using the same hard water I have to.

Thanks for your input!

[olsaltybastard]

Welcome to RAG!! Congrats on finally starting your new setup.

Live sand is generally considered useful; the rest of the sand will usually become live over time.

Hydrometers are notoriously inaccurate and have fallen out of favor with refractometers taking their place.

Mixing the water yourself allows you (the reefer) to control everything. Under no circumstances would I ever suggest that buying water is better than making your own. It may be less expensive to purchase pre-mixed water, but you don't really know what you are getting. Some shops make their own water and others may get their water delivered to them. You can also purchase water which is packaged in pre-mixed jugs.

The very basic fundamental of reef keeping is water quality. The basic equipment of this hobby can seem a bit expensive (RO/DI filter, refractometer, TDS meter) but pays off in the long run.

[Gecko]

I would also place the live rock with the new sand and cycle everything, as for buying water or using tap in my opinion this is an easy choice. However if you plan on buying a RO/DI then I would mix my own saltwater.