Redsea Max 200 g2+ first reeftank in over 20 years

[Wonkabar]

Hello all,
I just placed an order and am planning on building with the below items. Any advice or help is appreciated.

Reefer MAX 200 G2 system AIO
200w titanium heater with inkbird
40 Lbs LifeRock Dry Live Rock - CaribSea
20 lbs Special Grade Arag-Alive caribsea
dr tims one and only/ ammonia
Microbacter 7
Tropicmarin salt
Galaxypods

I will post a picture here once I get everything set up. I have a few questions if anyone would be kind enough to help me.
-How long do I have to wait to put in the galaxypods? If longer than their shelf life should I just toss them in and let them die in the tank due to ammonia/nitrites as opposed to in the jar? (planning to do a fishless cycle for as long as I have to)
-Considering adding 10lbs of LIVE gulf sand to help speed up the process. Everywhere seems to be sold out however. Is this necessary or not?

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I would skip the sand since you are already getting the Aragalive. If you are wanting to increase the speed of cycling you could get some live rock from Tampa Bay saltwater. We used this in our pico tank and could not be more pleased with it.