I would ditch the idea of the under gravel filter for a planted tank. IMHO you would be much better served with a small cannister filter. If not that then just a good HOB filter.
My personal preference would be for Eco-Complete. It's black and grows great plants. But if money is tight check and see if you can get some black beauty blasting sand. It's also black and inexpensive. You could then put down a thin layer of peat moss and some laterite and have a decent substrate.
My personal preference would be for Eco-Complete. It's black and grows great plants. But if money is tight check and see if you can get some black beauty blasting sand. It's also black and inexpensive. You could then put down a thin layer of peat moss and some laterite and have a decent substrate.