What should I do?

[Xdq_21X]

I ordered live rock and live sand at the same time but my sand is here and my live rock hasn’t even shipped yet, what should I do? Should I set up my tank with the live sand right now? Should I wait till I get my live rock? I ordered from ARC so the sand isn’t in a pre packaged bag on a shelf, they have their own place where they get the sand.

 

[Sniperhank]

Wait til the rock arrives. Add the rock then sand to avoid settling. Then you can add saltwater and start the cycle.

 

[Xdq_21X]

Wait til the rock arrives. Add the rock then sand to avoid settling. Then you can add saltwater and start the cycle.

Won’t I have a lot of die off if I wait?

 

[Sniperhank]

Won't matter when you provide an ammonia source afterwards to ensure it is cycled to begin with. Shipping rock and sand across the country and keeping it live isn't that easy to do without keeping it fully submerged. Usually wrapped in wet newspaper. Better safe than sorry when it comes to how expensive this hobby can be.