Would the EI method work on a bare tank, and algae-free, with just plants and no substrate, or plants in pots? My instinct says yes, but I lack experience to back that up.

(Not that I'm planning anything with it, just wanting to see if I understand so far...)

-Jason

I would also like to know as my next tank will be similar (bare bottom with plants in pots or attached to driftwood).

-Ryan

EI will work if you have sufficient light, CO2, and plant mass. If the plants are in pots or floating, it will still work if there are enough of them. Why wouldn't it?