Before I Cycle | Rock & Sand

[Simply__J]

Do you have to cycle with substrate?

From what I understand you HAVE to cycle with rock, but what about substrate? Can I cycle with out it and add it after? Thanks ahead for your help.

 

[TheTodd]

You could, but the beneficial bacteria that you are creating with the cycle will not be in the sand when you add it later. It will become live eventually though. I think adding sand after there is water in the tank makes a mess though. I'd do it all at once, if possible.

 

[54seaweed]

I agree with Todd
add it before so you have a chance to let dust cloud from sand to settle

 

[Simply__J]

I hadn't taken that into consideration, appreciate it.