There are DIY co2 videos all over, youtube it. Basically you'll want some liter or half liter bottles, at least 2 of what you choose. Sugar and dry yeast. Air line tubing. Then follow the directions.
Definitely want the light on a timer. I got my first ones at my local dollar store. They're perfect for this minus having to reset them during power outages, or for me when I turned off the power strip they were connected during canister cleanings. For 10-12 bucks you can get ones that have internal batteries that will keep your times saved and then go straight back to those saved times once the power is restored. I recommend just getting those. Set once and done.
Also, I always start with lighting. The main thing with lighting is that it's consistent. Then add or subtract time based on algae growth. Then get co2 started but I don't ramp it up until I get ferts dialed in and then dial in the lighting one more time after ferts. Between each section I wait at least a week before changing something else so I know if the things I changed is working. Lastly I ramp up co2 to desired levels. But DIY co2 is limited to adjustments. You'll be resetting the DIY co2 every week, probably with your water changes. On a 10 gallon though, DIY co2 will be perfectly fine.
Oh, and plants need time to acclimate to their new surroundings just like fish. They may not grow much in the first couple weeks. Especially if they're root growers. Also, carpeting is something you shouldn't watch. I did that... just annoyed me, the whole watch a pot of water boiling saying would go nicely here. I kept wanting to buy more to get it to go faster. But as long as the light is strong enough and the plants are not dying they will eventually carpet. Having said this, Nicrew is probably on the edge for carpeting plants. This could also be why the MC isn't growing that fast.
Lastly, as someone said, you'll want some nitrates. Easiest way is to toss in some fish food, not a lot, a little will do. It will get the nitrogen cycle starting and bolstered. The end of that cycle is Nitrates, what plants crave. lol.
My wisteria will usually die back a lot. And then it starts new growth that flourishes. Even with changing tanks at my house which is the same treated water in all the tanks. That plant is crazy, just let it be, cut off any very obviously dead stuff, it'll grow faster than anything else in there soon enough.
