also You will need ALOT of mts snails to keep your substrate churned' sand can make gas pockets that can' take out your whole tank , so be careful turn it often, and use lots of mts. It can grow plants, people use it all the time. I use it in my 5.5 gallon, I add root tabs to the sand every 3 mths, and use dry ferts in the water colomn. just make sure you dont make it too deep, but then, you have to have it deep enough to hold the plants down... so make sure you stir' it often . its better to save money and make a tank that will be your wabted END result, then to cheap out in the start , I know money is a issue, but you will end up changing it, which is a PITA, later, why not wait for the money and get eco-complete for your plants ? BUT if you really like the look of sand, and small white gravel could help, OR just stick with the sand and I am sure it will look great ethier way . Just be careful with the sand, if thats really the look you want , Go look at other's tank journals, and see what they are using , see what scapes of plants you like the best , so you will know' what to buy . Good luck !! ~~ show pics when you get started !!! ~~~