Changing substrate from gravel to sand - need some help

So it sounds like pool sand is the way to go. I really do want to replicate a river basin or whatever as much a spossible giving it a natural kind of look, w/o going overboard and putting leaves and other muck and stuff on the substrate which could be a real pain. So I'm thinking this pool sand sounds legit and scattering some round pebbles from my current substrate amongst it, might look pretty natural.

Also sounds like the best way to clean this stuff would be to go outside with a hose and rinse it in big plastic tubs or coolers or something. This might be a spring project then, once it gets a little warmer out. About how many bags would it take for a 55 gallon? And how much sand would be appropriate to make a good substrate base that will hold plants? 2-3 inches?
 
60lbs will give you around 2.5" depth on a standard 55g tank. Once in you can texture it out a bit to your liking in anyone of my tanks bed depth ranges from 1.5" - 3" in areas I'm planting I try to keep it at 2" atleast.
 
Sand is easier to keep clean IMO...... hover the gravel vac over the top of the sand and BOOM yer done. Sand is less likely to have little spaces for dirt to get down into.....(like bigger grain gravel. It usually stays on top of the sand and DOESN'T get buried!
 
Anyone have any opinions on the black type of sand. The guy at my lfs suggested that instead. He planted his tanks with it and said it has more nutrients. I was thinking white colored sand, but do you think black is better/more natural looking? What colors would the substrate be in rivers of South America? Probably black huh?
 
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