I am an aquatic ecololgist who is relatively new to planted aquariums, but the hightech approach has rubbed me the wrong way since I started. I guess one's stance on hightech depends on your basic objectives. If one is creating a miniature aquatic garden, then I guess hightech is fine. If one is trying to create a microcosm of a natural system, then the hightech approach is antithetical to your objectives.

I got my toes wet with high tech when I started DIY CO2 injection. I bought a 65w PC light fixture for my 28 gallon tank. I think I'm done. I am very conscious of the wasted water with 50% weekly water changes (we are just recovering from a historical drought). I'm aware of the energy use of many aquarium setups. I'm ready to explore any methods of reducing the ecological footprint of my aquarium.

- Incidently, living in a warmer climate, I am also very uncomfortable with the idea of introducing invasive species to local water ways. I wonder how many people in the planted tnak community also worry about invasive species and would be interested in exploring the use of local native species?