Can live sand sit in a tank with no water?

[samrggzy]

I am about to set up my tank and have the rocks, sand, but no water yet. I will have the water ready to be put into the tank in 2 days max, possibly tomorrow. My question is, is it okay to put the sand and rock in now and leave it without water for a day or two. I know the rock is okay but my main concern is the sand because it is carribsea arag alive sand and am afraid if i leave it without water the bacteria will die or the wet sand will dry out. I only wanted to put it now to tinker with the aquascape before i add any water in. Any thoughts?

 

[KrisReef]

Live rock or sand that dries becomes dry rock and loses the living layer of bacteria that you paid for.

 

[samrggzy]

Live rock or sand that dries becomes dry rock and loses the living layer of bacteria that you paid for.

I know but how long do you think it could sit in the tank without water before it completely dries out?

 

[Jekyl]

I know but how long do you think it could sit in the tank without water before it completely dries out?

As soon as it dries, so not very long.