[eds]

You might want to talk to the caga folks - not sure of any other group with more experience growing plants in Chicago water.
I've got no answers because I'm the kind of gardening slob - both aquaria and outside - who is content to grow the many plants that will thrive on my local conditions. If a plant is too picky or tender, well, someone else can try to grow it. There are plenty that appear to thrive given my particular brand of neglect.