The addition of plants may reduce the frequency of water changes since plants will use nitrates for food. I may be lucky in this aspect. However, I have not experienced any algae problems for the last two years. Usually, I use a razor to remove the algae from the glass and then use the magnetic scrubber to remove new algae every two weeks. Sometimes, when I discuss this sort of tank with fellow hobbyists I have the feeling that most of them regard planted tanks a possibility limited to big tanks only.
Nothing can be further from the truth.
All that is important is the desire to create this combination. During my regular trimming of the main tanks, I decided to use the plant cuts to create a special environment for this tank. The tank is a 140 liter all glass tank, without any canopy, no light fixtures, no external filters. The lamps are supported on the tank itself. Malawi haps which are raised there till their size is big enough for the 1300 liter main tank.