Planting Conditions ... Am I A Lost Cause?

[Mariposa]

I have an aquarium that I want to plant. Problem is, it is an established aquarium and I am afraid I don't have the right kind of substrate needed to successfully plant.
All that's there is gravel; can any type of hearty plant actually flourish in these conditions?
I have a 21 gallon (US) tank
I don't want to have to drain aquarium to put right sustrate in and disrupt my fish. Any suggestions on how this can work or am I a lost cause?
Thanks!

 

[Squid]

How course is the gravel?

Squid

 

[Mariposa]

Pretty corse, I would say about one centimetre per piece

 

[WendyinWichita]

The simplest thing to do would be to remove the fish from the tank (using your own tank water)(rubbermaid containers work really well depending on how many fish you have, be sure to keep a lid on in case you get a jumper) change the gravel, then top off the tank and replace the fish.

The easiest way to remove the gravel is to start with a scoop of some sort, but when you get to the bottom I have found a net works really well to scoop up the remainder.

I have changed the gravel with the fish in place and you can put the new gravel in using the net as well.

Be sure you either use gravel that has nutrients in it, or you add Laterite. If you plant in the course gravel you will ultimately be disappointed. Better to bite the bullet and do things right.