yup, but it depends on what are you trying to achieve. Diana Walstad stuff? Nature aquarium for iaplc competition?
basic needs for planted aquaium should be
1-lights-for photosynthesis-many options,ie- T5,T8,T5HO,PPL, metal halide, nowadays LED
2-filtration- go for HOB/CANISTER( dont forget your filter media, i feels that for planted tank mechanical filtration ,ie sponge or white cotton is something that you can do with or without, if you are up to it start with pure bio ring. later you can upgrade to all other fancy stuff such as bio rio, matrix,eheim substrate, etc.
3-cooling-in malaysia its HOT, at least get a fan if your room is not air conditioned 24/7 to keep the water temp below 30c(minimum for planted aquarium)
4-substrate- depending on what you want and your budget really.. personally i'll advice ADA aquasoil, despite its problem, initial cloudiness, high acidity at starting periods, etc.. its the one that had stand the trial of time.. hehehe.. of course there are other brands jbl,gex,borneo wild,etc.. not to forget the potting soil top with play sand thingy... and holland sand with nutrient stick...
5-CO2-well, its pretty straight forward from here, choice will be to have or not to have as it does the same job.(however if you just want a fern,anubias,moss tank its another story...) other options is just how fancy you wants your co2 system to be. i am experimenting with diy yeast bottle and this is the result
[attachmentid=3310415]
of course there are other ways of replacing co2 ie excel, BW growth,etc.. liquid carbon product.. but if you wants a bubbling tank of plants.. only co2 injection can give you that.
just my humble opinion on the matter hope it helps you bro.
just read more forum/ blogs other matter's such as liquid fertilizers regime, lighting periods, conditioning your tap water is important too    hope you take up the challenge and start a planted tank.