Planting in sand substrate

[treeh0rn]

I am a newcomer to tropical fishkeeping, I will keep this as short as possible
I would like to have sand in my tank, which is only 20 litres/4.5 gal big (small I know), but my beginner's book doesn't mention planting in sand. Are there any plants that can be planted in sand? I really want to have real plants in my tank, but if I cannot get ones suitable for sand, I will have to get gravel
Also, what is the absolute minimum depth of gravel/sand I should go for if planting?
Secondly, the book also says that I should leave the planted, fishless tank to mature for a month, without putting fish or anything else in it!! How can a tank mature without starting the nitrification cycle?? It doesn't mention putting chemicals to kickstart the process - just plants and filter, gravel, rocks, etc. How can the bacteria flourish without a source of food (ammonia)?
Please spend a moment and help a poor (floundering) soul. Haven't even set my tank up yet because I want to get this right. Thanks a million!

 

[Dubby]

You should have no problem planting in sand as long as the grains are not too fine. Playpit sand is fine.

Common plants like Vallis, anubias, crypts will grow quite well in sand.

There are some good links on fishless cycling in the pinned section of this forum.

Hope this helps.

 

[Missy]

Read up on fishless cycling. Letting the tank sit for a month won't do a thing. As soon as you add fish it will start to cycle. I'm doing my first fishless cycle now. Its not hard and the benefits of your fish living a happy health life will make you very happy in the end.

 

[treeh0rn]

Thanks for your time, guys/girls! I'm pleased that I can plant in the sand, I bought sand from the shop, so it should be ok to plant, if Missy can do so (will check with shop as well). I thought I was right about the fishless cycling Dubby! I must have ammonia in it to cycle my tank. Thanks again for your advice. Let's get started....