if you do the math it actually cost more to cure rock and sand. (electric costs, equipment, time, salt, R.O. water). Its easier to buy it from the lfs or reef club member. The advantage of getting dead sand is there is no parasites (BAD!). same goes for the Live rock (Parasites, aptasia, red bugs, etc......). Its better to start from scratch and a have successful tank, than to rush into a disaster equaling more money and time in the long run.