Two questions: Sand, plants, and my filter.

[bigbanker]

Good morning!

Right now I've got a moderately planted tank that is probably going to be a heavily planted tank. I'm currently using gravel on the bottom, however I was thinking of switching over to sand. I think my cichlids will love it.

I'm simply worried about whether the sand will wreck my 305 and if not, how will the plants (all beginner easy type plants) do in the sand. I want to go with something nice and dark for the sand that won't kill my filter, but will still allow my plants to flourish.

Thoughts?

 

[tmdavies]

i have a 305 and sand in my tank i have never once found sand in my filter. as long as you dont keep the intake too close to the bottom of the tank and dont stir it up to much by the intake you should be ok.
i hear carribsea eco complete is a good dark coloured sand substrate for plants but is expensive

 

[alLexX]

my 55 and 10 both have sand,and it looks great and plants are growing well. my filters are both fine as well