Planted tank help

[Bcuzimbatman]

Just started a planted 10gal. I used a laterite sub layer and then capped it with regular white sand. Currently I'm using 2 CFL bulbs to light it one is a 18w 5500k and the other is a 14w 5000k. I'm running a DIY c02 setup and currently have the water to about half the tank and the filter off as per advice I received from the LPS. My goal is a carpet of DHG which I currently have planted in there. I have 3 tiger barbs in there too. My question is. What non expensive upgrades can I make to ensure the healthy growth of my DHG and eventually a carpet effect?

 

[Bcuzimbatman]

This is the tank I'm referring to

 

[Bcuzimbatman]

Any help would be greatly appreciated

 

[Galligak]

I think that you have as much as you can for the DHG. The only other thing would be a full blown CO2 set up which is fairly expensive, as you probably know. I would actually fill up the tank all the way and add the filter since you said that you had tiger barbs in there (which aren't a good fish for a tank that size, they need more room considering they're very active and fairly aggressive).

 

[CorallineAlgae]

Some root tabs would help. I always see better growth with them in.