I use pool sand. I too thought about putting a layer on top of my gravel but Kristin talked me out of it. Through time it will seep through into the gravel and you'll end up with a mess.
I changed to sand to prevent my Cories from injuring their barbs and I'm glad I did. It looks a lot better, and most of my plants will stay in it without floating. I was even able to get my Java Fern roots to stay in without having to tie them down to anything.
I haven't had my plants long enough to say how well they are growing but they are looking great.
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~Chris~
55g planted; 30g planted; 5g planted
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