what depth of sand should i have?
This is really up to you, most people say around 2" max. I have more because I like and want a deeper sand bed. I have a terraced area of my tank with about 5" of sand.
also i want to be safe from any anerobic gases and other bad stuff..
Either stir the sand at every water change, using a chopstick or something, or get Malaysian Trumpet snails. They will stir the sand for you, preventing the pockets from forming.
i will also have live plants..
Not a problem!
also maintance with sand is it alot of work?
No, slightly different than gravel, but easier (IMO). When you change water and clean your substrate, hover over the sand with the vac instead of plunging it into the sand. The debris and waste will be suctioned out, the sand will fall back down.
so it doesn't get hard or cloud water and screw up filters?
Sand can compact, but the snails and/or stirring will prevent this from happening. Often sand clouds the water initially, but this problem goes away. Also, if you rinse your sand very well, initial clouding will be limited. Don't get sand in your filter and you'll be fine. Really, most sand is too heavy to be sucked in by any but the most powerful filters. Just don't have the filter intake tube too near the sand.
and is it true i need 1 pound if substrate per gallon of planted tank?
This will usually be the right amount, and it's a good starting point. This all depends on how deep or shallow you want your sand layer to be.
\Dan
