Markalot

Howdy, first post here.

I'm re-doing a 10 gallon with Tahitian Moon Sand to try out the dw method. I have the book, just started reading it.

I'm not in a rush to finish the tank, all the fish have moved into a larger 46 gallon and I want to do this thing right and get some lush plant growth before I think about adding any new, small, occupants.

My questions:

For top soil I have a, 89 cent bag of Lowes generic top soil (blue and white bag). Will this be ok?

It appears, via searching older threads, that I can't use the sand. Does anyone have any ideas for a dark black or near black substrate that will work well over the top soil?

Thanks!

Mark