Capping MGOPM

[CuriousAmerican]

I know I am asking a lot of questions.

I figure a few weeks of questions here will prevent a year of bad tanks later on.

At first I considered 20gallons, then an Aqueon Evolve, until the prospect of a noisy pump scotched that. A 7.9 Fluval made sense until again, the filter was said to be lousy.

If I get a regular 10g.

Can I get away with an inch of MGOPM (UNwashed) + 1" of sand.

A 10g is only 10" high so I do not want to go deeper.

In fact I would go with 3/4" of both, if could get away with it.

I hate gravel; but I do not want methane gas buildup that comes with sand to happen.

I was thinking of using Petco WHITE SAND.

I would have a glass cover. 30 Aquaclear, and a 100W heater, for emergency heating. We have a cool room.

I was planning on using the crappy plastic covers with 2 CFL bulbs.

But is 3/4", 3/4" okay?

Or is sand totally out or the question?

Thanks.