Deja Vu

I have kept fish for many years--but I have never used a forum to exchange information. It has been 3 years since I've had a freshwater tank so I am a little rusty. I want to do a heavily planted tank like some pictures I have seen from a Japanese fish hobbyist. The people I have talked to thus far tell me that it is important to determine the plants you want--and build the fish around them. The fish are almost secondary.

The other thing I used to hear was that in addition to tons of light--you need CO2 infusion as well. I would welcome any advice.

Thanks.