Possible to Not Use Bottom Substrate?

[Metallic Sardine]

Hi guys,

Just need to ask if it is possible to have a planted tank without the bottom substrate. I mean will the plants live if I only depend on ferts in the water column and CO2?

I dont really need the plants to grow fast but would actually prefer them to grow real slow but I must be able to keep the plants healthy.

BTW, does any bro here know the name of the background plant that Nature Aquarium uses for most of his tanks? Its that very straight plant that covers the back panel. Is it a light demanding plant?

Thanks,

MetaSard

[sherchoo]

Hmmmm.... it is possible to go without base fert for planted tanks. They do grow healthy but my question is how healthy is healthy. An alternative to those base fert is root monsters (loose form) by Ocean Free. No mess during uprooting of plants.