"HDH" wrote:

1. Will the Laterite make a mess of the tank when I do this?

Yes. Though the cloudiness will settle out after a day or so.

2. Will fluorite be better in this regard?

Much less messy, assuming you've rinsed it well.

3. Is it possible to have plants do just fine with just plain gravel?

Depends on water and lighting conditions, and the plants. There are
floating plants available, and since they're not anchored in the
gravel they don't care about it.

--
www.ericschreiber.com