Live Sand Questions

[NaturalGothic]

Hi guys!
I plan to do a 10 gallon salt water tank with 1Lbs well cycled live rock. For a filter, I’m gonna do either a 30 or 50 gallon HOB filter. I’ll also be buying RO saltwater and I plan to keep roughly 3 fish with 2-3 inverts. (I listed what I plan to stock below)
My question is this: Is live sand truly a must have when starting a new saltwater tank? The only bags available to me weigh double what I need for a 10 gallon tank. Plus, it’s $40. I’m not complaining about price, I just don’t know if I can keep live sand alive after it’s been opened. Does it really make that much of a difference?

Stocking list:
1. Sm. true clownfish
2. Yellow clown goby
3. Turbo snail
4. Halloween hermit crab
5. Sm. bubble tip anemone

 

[MrBryan723]

With the live rock and good care while cycling the tank, live sand isn't needed. If it's even still alive after sitting in a bag for who knows how long. Thats a pretty decent bioload in a pretty small tank so it might be worth investing in a protine skimmer as well.

 

[NaturalGothic]

With the live rock and good care while cycling the tank, live sand isn't needed. If it's even still alive after sitting in a bag for who knows how long. Thats a pretty decent bioload in a pretty small tank so it might be worth investing in a protine skimmer as well.

I’ll defiantly look into it. Also, the list I have isn’t everything I plan to put in right away. To start, I’m gonna get a clownfish, a Halloween hermit, and a turbo snail. Eventually, I’ll add in the rest but not right away.

I work with saltwater aquariums everyday but this is my first personal saltwater tank. I’m really excited but I’m also worried I’m going to screw up lol

 

[CannonsFish]

I would also recommend a couple of snails instead of just one.