yup, just make sure to poke the sand every once awhile to prevent anaerobic pockets from forming. That happens because the smaller particle size allows sand to compact in a way gravel doesn't. Without oxygen, all sorts of nasty bacteria grow and can result in toxic sulfur production. The easiest way is to take a chopstick or some planting tongs and just run it through the sand with every water change. I know a lady who attached a chopstick to the end of her gravel vacuum, to make sure the sand got stirred while all the particles got sucked up! Ingenious 
