The current trend is to limit light, max out on ferts and Co2. And it works. 2.5 to 3wpg is overkill. Go here: http://www.plantedtank.net/, and here: http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/, register, read and learn. Planted tanks can get very expensive if you don't set them up from the get go.
As far as substrate, I like mineralized soil (either the dry or boil method) capped with a either 3M color quartz or black flourite. Both caps have great CEC ability. There are many more substrates out there that are suitable for planted tanks.
As far as substrate, I like mineralized soil (either the dry or boil method) capped with a either 3M color quartz or black flourite. Both caps have great CEC ability. There are many more substrates out there that are suitable for planted tanks.
