Recommend you do it - less than 1" of inert pool filter sand will do a very nice job.
Most pool supply stores carry # 20 or # 30 grade density quartz-based pool filter sand, usually in a nice off-white color, which I've used for years.
Generally under $15 for a 50 lb. bag - very clean - little or no rinsing/cleansing needed as there's very little if any dust or grit.
You can easily vacuum it by hovering it about 1/2"- 1" over the sand with a simple acrylic aquarium vacuum tool.
The sand will siphon up into the vac tool about an inch or so , and the drop right back down.
Doesn't flow up into the water column when disturbed, so will not get into filtration intake tubes to clog up filtration, and Cories love it !
So don't worry about it - go for it - it's no problem - it'll look good, particularly with a couple of pieces of nice driftwood, with or without plants attached.