Advice on Low-tech substrate

[dontbyteme]

I currently have a 2ft tank and would like to restart it. Previously I have been using gex but found them too expensive if I were to get a substantial depth.

Would changing to an inert substrate like lapis or flourite significantly impact plant growth if I only plan to grow less demanding plants like java ferns, moss... I dont need super plant growth. Can anyone recommend me a suitable substrate based on my needs (inert or perharps other brands of soil that are not too expensive)

[Shadow]

java fern and moss does not even need substrate. For java fern and moss you can just use lapis sand.