Well, IMO, its more about the type of plants, lighting & ferts. I have gravel in all my tanks, no special lighting, I dose ferts once week; some plants do really well while others not so much. I go for easy plants such as swords, java fern, anachris, banana plants & some I don't know the names of. My fish are healthy & happy because I do regular water changes, keep their water at the right temp & feed them properly. Sorry if this doesn't answer your question but I hope it helps some.