Gravel or sand?

Question
I have a basic 10 gallon aquarium with some platties, a pleco, 2 kissing gouramis and a couple snails.  All co-exist peacefully.  I would like to move my fish family to a 29 gallon aquarium but have a question about using the sand substrate instead of using gravel.  I like the 'ocean floor' effect the sand gives the aquarium.  Is this possible to do with freshwater fish?
Many thanks!
Marsha

Answer
Hey Marsha,

Yea the sand is very much availiable from your Local Fish store probably . I just got some for my 1 of 5 tanks i have setup. I had to clean it TONS cause i got the black coloured stuff. The only thing you gotta watch out is that sand is alot finer then gravel so... your tank can become messy fast if you have a strong current or fish that dig it up. Plants dont stay in the sand very much and i actually got kinda frustrated with it.

It's also very hard to clean the bottom of the tank cause the sand gets sucked up.

I too liked the "ocean floor" feel but i wouldnt do it again it's not worth my time.

if you are going to go ahead with it be sure to clean it out really good. Dont use just any sand get some that's meant for aquariums