You can check my old thread. I did grew HC via dry start method on GEX soil for 1-2 months if I recalled, before submersing the tank. After that just Co2 + a gex PL light. Grew like wild fire. Entered a ADA competition too. Sold many cuttings to bros here. But after 9 months, start having problems like algae, then BGA and BBA. So ended up rescaping.
With regards to temp. 2 decade ago, using fan can efficiently reduce temp to around 28-29 degrees, no problem. Nowadays, using fan only increases humidity. A living room with temp 32 degrees feel like 40 with the increased humidity. Chiller? it's the worst option in my humble opinion. To chill the tank, it will exhaust hot air to your living room and spread to every part of your house. A slightly better option is have the planted tank in a small room with air-con on rotational + standby, keeping ambient temp around 28 degrees will do; if monthly utility is not an issue.
In UKaps forum where their weather is cool and nice, a simple java moss tank can look super outstanding. Here in Singapore? good luck.
I did say many years ago, that this is a dead hobby for our climate and weather will only get warmer.
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