Joe has a lot of good stuff for the tank, like a Double Helix UV sterializer, a Vortex filter ocassionally used, and injected CO2. I would be surprised if there was little growth in the tank.
one of my goals as a fishkeeper is to set up a amazon habitat with discus and angels, and a big school of neon/cardinal tetras, now I don't have the money, time, or experiance to deal with discus.
We have had the tank 'planted' for about 4 months. The CO2 injection did wonders for the plants! Also, Kent's Flourish and AP Root Tabs helped... ... and, CP Florescent lights...