I would use the sand as is.

Most of our rock already has the spores of Hair algae, Briopsis, Bubble algae, and others contained within. With time, the pores or our rock may become clogged due poor conditions, or the nutrients in the water column become conducive for the bloom of so called nuisance algae’s.

“Cooking” live rock is a newer term some genius in our hobby replaced the term “Curing” live rock with. Confusing a simple process.

Placing rock in a container of clean seawater with high current, water changes and possible skimming (too much skimming eliminates food sources for the life forms we are attempting to save). The idea is to allow the pores of the rock to become clear of dead matter (detritus) and become porous again. The micro life and sponges on and in the rock will open the pores and the current helps keep the pores open and the detritus in suspension so it may be broken down by natural processes.

This is the general premise.

It is easier to have high flow and more water changes in a smaller container.