As Amcarrig stated, you can make any sand become alive by just adding a cup or so of live sand from a mature tank, whether it be another tank of yours or from a friends tank or pet shop! It is definitely cheaper this way as well and will help speed up the cycling phase. Live rock will also speed up the process, but don't be sucked in by the rule of thumb of 1-2 lbs. of live rock per gallon water, as that isn't totally correct and is a thing of the past and will also deplete your checking account IMO!
Different kinds of rock weighs and is composed differently from the next as some is more porous than others etc.
Also, with the advection and diffusion processes, live rock is not necessarily better! _________ 125gal.w/Mag9.5 return(dual megaflow)>Mag7 pump Aqua Cev180skimmer.Wave2k Hamilton Reefstar(2)250watthqi(mh)pend.a Yellow, Naso Tang Red Lip Blenny Percula Clown Demoiselles Niger Trigger F. Wrasses Ceriantharia Orn.Shrimp and Stars Hermits Queen Conch asst. snails> Stars Zoos shrooms Montipora Brains Gorgonians Favia Turbinaria(large+small polyp) Acropora Xenia Tridacna (CroceaMaximaSquamosa) Leathers <35+75gal.reef tank as well> 
"IF THE PHONE DOESN'T RING...IT'S ME"  jb  |