I have T5 lighting, I'm not exactly sure which specfic kind it is, so that there could be a factor.
As for substrate I have a layer of fine gravel, and then a layer of dirt, and then i have another layer of gravel on top of that.
I do not use the ladder for the CO2 because I was told that is does not work so well, so I have the CO2 going into my intake tube on my filter.
As for the DIY, what are the specific amounts you put in per volume of water?