I am lazy. By this I mean I usually wanted to finded the most efficient (least time required) solutions for anything. Part of this is i am a bog fan of the KISS theory- "Keep It Sim[le, Stupid!" I mostly used small gravel for my planted tank with some laterite mixed into the bottom layer. I also had bare bottom planted tanks ar tanks with a thin layer of sand and all plants still in pots etc.
This 75 gal. tank was pressed into use for excess plants and to serve as quarantine for a box of inported redline barbs I got yo bring for sale as a vendor at the NEC weekend event. Today it has morphed into a real jungle and is still a temporary tank about 4 years later.
To me low tech means plants that need minimal attention. I get good growth and little algae. My biggest problem are anubias growing to the surface. As they near the light source algae tends to form on the upper leaves.