Go for the biozyme no offense. Petsmart sells play sand too if you can afford it instead of the hardware store approach! Fish tanks are glorified toilets (lol). BioZyme is the same thing as the septic stuff it is beneficial bacteria and enzymes activated with water. Necessary for new tank cycling. I'm glad that you at least chose the BioZyme it's great for aquatic plants too! Septic tanks can't handle chemicals just so you know...! I can hardly blame you to be worried. Looks like saw dust but it's safe and like I said $5 for a tablespoon or $10 for 3 pounds. Let us know how the BioZyme works!