live sand vs. live rock? and more...

[justagirl1179]

Hello all! I'm a newbie at salt water tanks and I'm just trying to do as much research as possible before I get started. I've read quite a bit about setting up a new tank, mixing/adding water, live rock/live sand, and cycling. I understand the purpose of the LR and LS, but my question is do I have to use both in my new tank and can I use one or the other? The reason I'm asking is that I would like to only add LR to my tank with a clean white marine sand for substrate. Is there a problem with setting it up like that?
My second question is- I've heard people say that they put small chunks of LR in the back filter section of their tanks, why is this? I'm assuming it helps with filtration. If you did put LR in the filter chamber, would there be a need to use any other filtration methods? What would be an ideal filtration set up for a 12g nano tank?
If anyone has any opinions about this I've love to hear them. Like I said before I'm new at this and trying to get as much info before I start to minimize any problems. Not sure if you need this info or not, but the tank I'm intending on setting up is the 12g nano cube- the older model, not the DX.
Thanks and I look forward to reading your posts!

 

[hooterhead]

i wouldn't spend the extra cash on live sand. your live rock will "seed" the sand over time. i don't forsee a problem with your choice. what is the sand made of? and yes many people do take the sponges out of the filter and use LR rubble. better filtration

 

[Master Er]

You can use live rock and dry sand...it'll be fine. And yes, the live rock rubble in the back chambers serve as an extra biological filter....I myself dont use any type of filter element in the back chambers and some people dont either.

 

[justagirl1179]

Cool, thanks for the info! I'm sure I'll have some more questions soon enough! I'm also planning to do a step by step diary with pictures as soon as I start setting up. Thanks again!!

 

[Abarnswell]

On my 15 gallon AGA, I have an AquaClear 50 filter hanging off the back. In the filter chamber, I put two of the foam sponges (no carbon). So, are you saying I can/should/could remove the foam and put LR rubble in there instead? That sounds pretty cool.

 

[Master Er]

Well so far based on all the threads, that seems to be the norm.....think of it as having another tank in the back. It would be better if you added some macro algae in there but you will need a sump light for that. But if its just live rock, I dont think you would need a light for it. Foam tends to increase your nitrates.....nitrate factory...

 

[Master Er]

I didnt do any thread searches yet but you could try to find the post that Drty did on the DIY Index. Check out what he did to his Aquaclear, that would give you a better clue on what to do.