Trying out low tech set up

[Ram]

Have been interested in the low tech planted and finally decided to set up a small tank, thanks to Valice and mtanes for their PL light and fan.
Tank dimension: 40cmx23cmx25cm.
Substrate: Oceanfree brand ADA sand mix with Japanese brand sand.
Lighting: 18W PL light 8hrs.
Temperature: 27-28C with cooling fan.
Fertilisation: Dosing 2ml Seachem Excel alternate day.
Plant: Flame moss, spicky moss, hair grass, mini nana, sun grass? Java fern?
Fauna: 2 oto, 8 cuppy and few cherry shrimps.
No filter installed yet.
It was just set up from two days. Without CO2 will these plants grow well? I read from the forum that dosing Seachem Excel is good enough. Thanks for your suggestions and comments.

http://i210.photobucket.com/albums/b...64/ifttank.jpg

[ranmasatome]

All the above mentioned plants can grow...but to grow beautifully..some may require colder temperatures.

[Ram]

All the above mentioned plants can grow...but to grow beautifully..some may require colder temperatures.

Good point, will try to bring temperature lower. Thanks.

[Quixotic]

I see that you added the faunas without waiting for the full nitrogen cycle to complete. Do watch out for the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels even though it is planted quite adequately and may be able to get by the nitrogen cycle.

[Ram]

I see that you added the faunas without waiting for the full nitrogen cycle to complete. Do watch out for the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels even though it is planted quite adequately and may be able to get by the nitrogen cycle.

Thanks, your point noted. I am bit afraid the mosquitoes will start visiting. So far I am lucky that the fishes look healthy. BTW, how many days later then are consider safe to introduce the faunas?

[Quixotic]

Nitrogen cycle normally takes about 3 weeks to complete, but ADA soil tend to leech ammonia during this period, so 4 weeks is safer. Planting very heavily can circumvent this.