Will changing from plastic decorations to algae cause an ammonia spike? (IMPORTANT)

[LaraFaes]

I think my fish would be happier if his tank was decorated with algae instead of plastic, but I don't know if I can do it inmediately or have to wait for the tank to cycle I'm pretty new in taking care of plants and all the algae I've tried to inmerse in the tank died, so I'm thinking of adding the Fluval Stratum substrate so they have the perfect chance to grow! I'm pretty scared that since it has so many fertilizers and stuff, it will kill my fish if I just change it inmediately... Any recommendations on what to do would help me a lot! I'm tired of seeing my fish suffer for my mistakes...

Should I use sand as well? Do I do daily water changes to keep the nitrate levels low? Is it better to just buy a nitrate & nitrite test kit and wherever its too high I change the water? How do I even syphon it... Please help so my fishes can have a better life from now on

 

[BanZI29]

is this a fresh water or saltwater tank?

 

[o2manyfish]

Fluval Stratum is a Fresh water substrate. You are posting in a Marine Fish Forum group.

Bit of confusion?

Dave B