A club for owners of Parrot Cichlids

is there a dark brown sand thats is ok to use, that is cheap like pool filter sand or at least brown? i'm am not wanting white, i can't find anything on line thats not like $15. what do you all use?

I was wondering how many people actually use sand in thier freshwater tanks. Would u recommend using sand or gravel. And if so what would be some good tips to start?

I am thinking of changing my gravel to fine sand - is that a good idea? I was thinking of having more of a natural looking tank therefore wanting to get rid of the gravel. Any opinions on this? I have 4 blood parrot cichlids, a placo catfish, a danio, and 2 tetras.

I 'm putting sand in my tank... Are there any potential risks? For example, will my parrots eat too much sand when they 're eating food off the bottom? (I do realize it 's difficult to clean and I must lay my old rocks on top to get the "good bacteria"...)