I think it depends on whether you want to create a quarantine tank where you can observe new fish or if you want a medicine tank you put sick fish or if you plan to medicate all new fish. If you want a tank for just observing fish and you want to have a second tank always up and ready, you could include gravel, plants and whatever else you'd like. If you're going to always put fish in there with medicine then I think a bare bottom tank with some non-living decorations would be better suited. Good luck!