I have a crypt growing quite well in my sandy bottom tank. You can try vallisnerias as well. Many plants actually can grow just fine as long as the sand doesn't become compact that it chokes the plant roots. Get the trumpet snails to do the job for you.
I use sand in my 5 and my 10 gallon planted tanks,. I put about 4 root tabs per 10 gallon every 2 mths. I havent found a plant that I cant' grow in the sand yet . make sure you use root tabs , and you may want to dose the tank, florish is good, along with excel if you dont have any shrimp, all depends on what all your growing and how much, co2 ? etc..... watch your plants, they will tell you what they need .
