So I have really become interested in planted tanks. So far I have only really been using Java Ferns, just because I like how they look, how much coverage they add for my fish, and their ease of care. I recently have gotten two Anubia Nana. So I am still kind of learning about plants.

Onto my main question, I am getting a new tank started up and would love to grow some kind of planted bottom, a plant/grass carpet if you will. Through someone I know, I was going to use carpet/magic seeds, but with some advice from some other members of the sub I have decided against that.

However that leaves me with only dwarf hair grass as the only other thing I know of and was made aware that I can use for this.

So this brings us to my questions.

Question 1: Is dwarf hair grass the best kind of "Carpet" situation for a newbie?

Question 2a: If the answer is yes, what are some good places to buy it from? I live in New York for reference.

Question 2b: If the answer isn't a firm yes, what are some other options for a "Carpet" and places I could get them from?

Question 3: What are the merits of using a nutrious substrate vs liquid and tab plant food? (I ask because I am not opposed to using a nutrious substrate.)

Those are all the questions I can currently think of that I have. I'm sure I will have more to ask as I learn more. Thank you in advance to everyone who replies.