So I recently decided to start a freshwater aquarium. I used to have a 125 gallon reef tank that my friend gave me when he moved but it's been a long time and I just used what he had set up. I've been buying equipment to set up my new tank and decided I really want to do a planted tank. I would really like to get my moss and other plants flourishing quickly so that I can have a nice carpet and some anubias, ferns etc so that when I do start to add fish they will have plenty of atmosphere and places to hide plus the oxygen and other benefits plants provide. That all being said I have two main questions. The first is related to substrate. I have read so many different things but I'm leaning towards a live substrate like caribseas eco complete planted substrate. Will using a live substrate be too difficult for a new hobbyist? Is using an inert substrate and root tabs better for plants or just safer for someone new to planted tanks? Secondly, can I add plants to my tank while it is cycling to give them an extra boost in initial growth and get them started for however long I am waiting for the nitrogen cycle to run its course? Thank you so much for your help!!