Step by step with floating stem plants

[Steve Newman]

Hi,
I have just filled a Scaper 45 litre tank with the stock light and I have the dimmer unit, I have added 9 litres of Aquasoil and a simple root of Manzanita wood.
I want to cycle it using the floating stem plant method.
I have ordered
Ludwigia Palustris Red
Hygrophila Difformis
Hygrophila Polysperma
they should be arriving in the next couple of days.
How do I prepare the plants (if at all)?
Do I carry out 50% water changes as per a normal planted setup?
Will the addition of Salvinia minima help in the process?

Please spell out the process. 🙂

Regards
Steve

 

[bazz]

Have you read this? Using stem plants as a filtering aid at Start Up!

 

[Steve Newman]

Hi bazz,
Yes I have read the post, but I'm still unsure about;
Do I carry out 50% water changes as per a normal planted setup?
Will the addition of Salvinia minima help in the process?
I am new to planted tanks, I have a 30 cm cube that I have struggled with over the last few months and want to try and do things right this time.
Regards
Steve

 

[hypnogogia]

Do I carry out 50% water changes as per a normal planted setup?
Will the addition of Salvinia minima help in the process?

Yes and yes. Anything fast growing will be helpful.

 

[Steve Newman]

Thanks.