Sand only cycle

[Vinaka_vakalevu]

as has been said over and over those test run by @taricha are amazing and well worth the read for anyone who hasn't read them here is the link to them again

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

Don't start a fuge right away... Wait until you have nitrates and phosphates for the algae to consume

 

[JayM]

If nothing else, 'scaping will be much easier in a dry tank than a wet one.

 

[Olefreebe]

Once you have completed the cycle I'd definitely add a small fish to keep everything going.

I do have a pair of ocellaris clown that I plan to move to the new one. I don't want to stress them out just to further my reefing habits tho lol

 

[Olefreebe]

If nothing else, 'scaping will be much easier in a dry tank than a wet one.

That's one of the things that was honestly holding me back the most. I know there is no such thing as a unique aquascape anymore but I did have a particular set up in mind.
Going for a larger island (volcano) in the left 1/3 of the scape with a tree structure in the right most 3rd of the tank. Adding a few small islands in the foreground for coral placement in the future and to blend the side together. I'm hoping to emphasize the depth of the tank. It being a shallow tank I will take into consideration the view from above as well.
High aspirations I know.