I used dry sand mixed with AF Biosand and although I experienced a very brief "ugly stage" which included dinos and a little algal growth, the tank is now clean of both and parameters are stable. I attribute this partly to how I managed the tank from the fkrst day. I didnt just leave the tank to do whatever it may do bjt instead encouraged the microbiome to help fight off colonization of excessive algae and other less desirable organisms. Id say it worked very well!
I just added an Apoleberry Montipora and a pink Acro today.