Gravel Used

I currently have deep river rock in my 55gl and don't like it, i bought some blk fine sand that was just ordered last night, i got to thinking, is this going to be hard to clean with a python? Also can i see some tank pic's with blk substrate and input on how it works for you and the live plants?

Sand can be difficult to clean using a python or suction siphon. Black can look really neat, but it also can grow bacterial sheets that look like algae.
Plants do like sand though, and if you can clean the surface without digging in it much, and you don't overfeed, sand can be great in planted tanks.
The fish seem to really enjoy it too. Small crabs and snails also like it.
Wolfy(sorry no pics available)

thats what ive been hearing, however i can't visualize using plant soil without everything floating around the tank, i will use straight sand that was ordered. I used an under ground filter in the past and now i don't, i had angels breed and groumis all unplanned, i don't use these expensive airation methods, justthe basics and it seems to work. Will post pic's when it's all redone.

I don't have black sand, nor live plants but I do have a 55 gallon with white sand setup for about three months now. My fish love it, but it is very hard to clean with the python, if you surface clean you should be ok. About how much did you order? I think I put about 70 pounds of sand in and it is about 3-5 inches deep.

22 lb bags i ordered 8 bags for 176 lbs, i want it 3-4" deep as well, but i will hold onto the extra and see if i can find a cleaning device that won't suck up the sand, i may place a pantyhose over the front of my pyton to see how that works.

well looking out into the living room mine is about 3 inches deep.. you should have more than enough with eight bags. Good luck with the python.. pantyhose is a good idea.

Thnks now anyone use manzanita in their tank, weigh it down, how it work??

I've used manzanita in my tanks to give dither fish a place to rest (branchy pieces in the corner I used) it was easy to clean with a brush too, nice n smooth. I inverted a clay pot saucer and glued then siliconed the branch base to it then buried it in 3 inches of sand. Took some hits from a few Oscars and still lasted about a year before all the little fish were consumed and I changed to a rock substrate (the sand was beautiful but required serious maint. And the gravel just looked fake to me) O.o

Pantyhose is a great idea Diggy