trackfast said:Some people think "live" sand is just a gimmick. Any sand will become "live" over time as micro organisms and bacteria inhabit it. IMO, I do think that live sand does shorten cycling time. I used live rock and live sand and my cycling time was shorter than I projected. Make sure to check the date on the back of the package; it is time sensitive.
Fishguy2727 said:I wouldn't consider it live at all, at least no more alive than dry sand with some bacterial supplement squirted on it.
trackfast said:If you're cruel and wealthy, sure just add fish! lol I don't remember reading that on the package. I would still allow time for cycling.
trackfast said:I use API but I heard Salifert is really good/accurate.
What should all the levels be at
iDreamInSaltwater said:well for a cycle you should see ammonia go up, then nitrIte go up, then both fall to 0ppm, then nitrAtes should be <20ppm
me personally with live sand did nothing to speed my cycle at all, and i had LR, a CUC and fish (i know i did it all wrong, and if i could go back i definitely wouldve done fishless.
as for test kits i suggest the API Master saltwater test kit, make sure you get the saltwater and not the reef (if you decide to do a reef thats for later)
iDreamInSaltwater said:no, the reef test kit is for later, it tests different chemicals in the tank that the basic SW one does that you need
Whobe143 said:Well I have an old test kit for reef when would I test for that and do the tests expire?
iDreamInSaltwater said:yeah those would be tested i would say when you start having some corals and whatnot. personally with the lights i have i cant keep many corals so i dont think ill have to test unless i see something wrong because my corals arent very picky when it comes to water params etc.