[Orion]

I've used Flourite in the past and it worked out great for the plants. Doesn't look too bad either. I've also heard really good things about Eco-Complete from other members here, but never used it myself.

The general problem with sand and plants is that the grains of sand can constrict the roots of the plant cutting off it's food supply. It also cuts down on the amount of fresh water that the roots have access too. But not all plants are doomed to failure with sand. It depends on the type of plant as well as the sand. The more course the sand (how big each grain of sand is) the less it will compact and easier time plants will have getting what it needs out of the substrate. Of course if you want to go all with plants that do not need to be in the substrate (anubias, some ferns, mosses) then it's not going to matter what type of substrate you have.