Changing gravel to sand 30gal

[tiffini2]

I am considering changing my gravel to sand(poolsand) in my 30gal tank.
I am new to having a sand tank.
Do I need to wait a few days before putting fish back into tank?
Mini cycle?

Any suggestions on how deep to make the sand?
Tips on care with the sand?

I have had the tank up and running longer then 6months

Right now I have few fish in this tank:
3 platys
3 guppies
1 pleco


I will be removing them from the tank into a holding tank, along with the filter media and heater.

Also I am running a emperor 400 filter.
(This is what the tank had when I bought it)

Will the sand damage the filter?
Also what is the easiest live plant for sand, considering I have a pleco.

Thanks!! Lots of things for me to learn!