If the Fluval Mini is discontinued it might be hard to find replacement bulbs for it after a while. The 10w zoo med sounds like it would work for your tank.
Setting up the plants a few weeks in advance would give them time to become established before the animals enter the scene, so I would say go ahead! It also helps to make sure diseases/harmful bacteria aren't sticking to the plants depending on where they came from. Just make sure to cycle the tank with your filter after the plants have grown in and before the fish arrive.
Setting up the plants a few weeks in advance would give them time to become established before the animals enter the scene, so I would say go ahead! It also helps to make sure diseases/harmful bacteria aren't sticking to the plants depending on where they came from. Just make sure to cycle the tank with your filter after the plants have grown in and before the fish arrive.