You don't have to use anything live, it can be dry sand and base rock. It will be made live during the process of your cycle.
However, I hear/read that live rock will have anaerobic nitrate->nitrogen gas converting bacteria on it to help with the levels of nitrates. Plus live rock is certainly more bio-diverse.
You could use a couple pieces of live rock to seed your base rock. Anywhere is fine.
However, I hear/read that live rock will have anaerobic nitrate->nitrogen gas converting bacteria on it to help with the levels of nitrates. Plus live rock is certainly more bio-diverse.
You could use a couple pieces of live rock to seed your base rock. Anywhere is fine.