How much sand do I need

[Jen]

My dimentions are 36in wide X 16 inches deep.

Is there a general rule for the amount of sand needed?

p.s. how do i make the sand plant friendly? I've heard that it gets packed down and makes it hard for the plants roots to get o2.

Thanks

 

[Pescado Guy]

Just get 50 lbs of swimming pool filtration sand. I used thirty lbs in my 29 gallon and I got about 2.5 inches. The filter sand doesn't compact like regular sand.