When I get a plant shipment before my substrate shipment

[TomO]

Earlier this week I received a plant shipment a week before my substrate is due to arrive. I floated them in my 29, so they get light and fertilizer. Could I have just as easily put them in a bucket of water for a week?

[Ken Dyer]

Probably could have put them in a bucket just as easily, but then you wouldn't have a fun jungle aquarium for a week or two 😉

Plus as you mention they will like the light, controlled temperature, and fertilizer. I am sure there is probably a "best way" to do it, but I have done both methods over time and haven't really noticed a big difference for the new plants. The biggest thing is I can observe the plants more easily when they are in a tank so tend to prefer that over a 5 gallon bucket.