well neither annubias nor java fern will care what your substrate is, since they live above teh substrate.

you wont' necessarilly need excel with your set up either.


the only reason for good planting substrate, and you can search the threads here for a bunch of them, is if you plan to upgrade later. substrates are best gotten right the first time.

really with another 10 watts or so and good substrate you coulid grow almost anything with excel. Co2 is also easier than you think it is, in fact it makes my tank trouble free, which is why I always keep mine going.