How fun! If you are keeping relatively few fish, use APT Complete. If you have a lively fish population, go for APT Zero. Without CO2 injection, plants have a far harder time outcompeting algae as their growth rates are limited by the low supply of CO2. We strongly recommend using a canister filter (it is worth the extra $) instead of a hang-on-back. The improved flow and larger bio-filtration capacity really helps to keep algae at bay. It is also far easier to support healthy plants using aquasoil instead of sand/ stone. Even with improved flow and a soil substrate, plant growth will be slow, which means your main task is maintain a stable environment over several weeks! This is the hardest part- patience. Most aquarists make the mistake of changing parameters every week, which disrupts healthy growth. Look out for new leaves. With APT's nutritional boost, new leaves should have better form and color.