Substrate For Planted Tank

[Thor]

I am thinking of rearranging up a 2ft tank and would like your opinion on the kind of substrate that would support good plant growth and minimize algal problem.

In my first attempt, I used 2-4mm gravel to fill about 2" of the tank but the plants did not seem to thrive under the condition and three months later, some kind of algae took over. I read somewhere that it would be better to use a mixture garden soil & clay as the bottom layer (1") and sand as the top layer (2"). Would like your opinions on this.

My other initial setups:
2x35W 10,000K Aqua Lux
CO2 injection
1 capful of liquid fertilizer (Tetra FloraPride) per week
30% water change per week

I am looking to fill the tank with riccia, glossostigma, micranthemum, and rotala.

[wynx]

Yo...Get a good start man. The way to go, is base fert and substrate material. Since you are going to the planted tank workshop on sat..some skills you will pick up. Use the force

[Thor]

Thanks! Looking forward to the workshop.