Freshwater tank setup

Question
Hi Chris,
I want to set up a 40 gal. or 55 gal. freshwater tank for my kids.  I would like a planted tank with live and plastic plants, too.  I prefer to look of sand to gravel on the bottom.  Would this create a problem for cleaning or for bottom feeders like catfish?  Thanks,
kevin

Answer
Hi Kevin;

Personally, I don't like to use sand. It gets stirred up and clogs the filters, can raise the pH if it happens to contain crushed coral and/or shells, gets packed down in some areas and causes foul areas for decay and can cause chronic cloudiness even when rinsed well. If you know of others who have used it with success, find out what they used and how to clean it. I just haven't had good luck with it in freshwater tanks.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins