Supplies questions

[JardiniMartini]

For over a decade I have been maintaining reef tanks, aggressive salt & fresh water tanks... you name it, i got it. Planted tanks however, are THE thorn in my side. It is time to try again so I am going to undertake "Plant Storm 4.0" But first, I have some questions... here's the set up:
29GAL aquarium, Penguin 330 Filter, Dual strip JEBO T5 lighting (10,000k & Actinic), AquaPharm. Lateralite, 30lbs. gravel, Hagen Maxima Airpump, Undergravel Filter and a Titanium Tube 200W Heater.
I am thinking about alternatives for the substrate (Red Sea, Seachem) and I am about to buy a CO2 drip system.
I have not started the tank yet... so... what do you guys think?
P.S. I HATE undergravel filters. Is it necessary in this case?

 

[Silly me]

I'm glad to hear that you are willing to retry the planted tank..

first off, are you useing the light because you have them or is that what you'r going to buy?

its not the best for growing fresh water plant even if it might work I would look at getting light in the 5500K-6700K range

The UGF is a total mess in a planted tanks. I would recomend against useing it.. ever..
The Hagen Maxima Airpump is also not needed? the less surface movement you could create the better.

The CO2 is only needed if your light is going to be more that 2watts per gallon, so if you have more that 60Watts of light you'll need CO2

 

[JardiniMartini]

Thanks!!! I do already have those lights, but I will definitly go with the light you suggested. You have no idea how good it is to hear that I don't have to use the undergravel filter. Those things are the bane of my existence. Thanks again for the advice, I'll get the light and get back to you.
What do you suggest for substrate?

 

[guppygirl]

Yep, no ugfs. (UG!)
you can use silica sand, or pool filter sand. Or you could use some of seachem's stuff, like onyx sand. Or, for gravel, you could use flourite or flourite red or eco complete. Ahh, so many options!