Live rock/Live sand

[boojumsnark]

Hey guys, I'm new here. I've had a 30 gallon freshwater tank for about 10 years, and now I want to take the leap and start a saltwater tank. I've heard about live rock and I've heard about live sand. My question is, can live sand be used on its own and be effective, or is live sand meant to be a supplement to live rock? Thanks for any help!

[fsa]

booj, what kind of a tank are you wanting? No live rock of any kind? Do you plan on using store bought type of decorations or only live sand with fish in it?
Just curious why you asked that question? Both live rock and live sand are used in the saltwater tank (generally together), mostly for bacterial filtration. Also, they are home to many of the invertibrates that are seen in the trade (coral, crabs, snails, worms, etc.) and also many people think they are pleasing to view.

I would say that they supplement each other, but if the bioload is not too large, then you can use live sand only as your bacterial filtration. You could also supplement that with other types of bacteria filtration, if needed (i.e. sponge filters, etc.).

If the reason you asked, is because of the expense of live rock, then that can be dodged somewhat, by adding a simple, generally cheaper, base-type of rock that will become, over time, live rock.

Frank

[leebca]

You may want to read this, then ask questions not answered here:
What is Live Rock, Anyway?