Newly Added Plants Leaves Are Browning

I wouldn't worry, plants usually tend to look like they're dying when you first introduce them to a tank, and eventually they sprout out new ones. I believe that's usually caused by being introduced to new water conditions.

Personally, I don't mind introducing a few snails into my tanks. You can't beat snails when it comes to keeping the plants algae-free. It's also fairly easy to control the size of their population. (Just toss a few slices of blanched zucchini into the tank before you go to bed. In the morning, remove the zucchini and any snails that are feeding on it.)

As for a planted aquarium, think of it as a garden. For example, hostas are shade-loving plants. It's my experience that anubias also does best with a little shade. Likewise, many garden plants will "melt" (wilt) and turn brown after transplanting, just like many aquatic plants do. (Ironically, while snails can be beneficial to planted aquariums, their cousins the slugs are detrimental to gardens.)

Also, start with plants that have well-developed root systems (crypts, vals, java ferns, anubias, swords, hydro, etc.) as these usually don't "melt", and once you place them in the substrate they stay there. Rotala and hornswort are also easy to grow, although they're usually cultivated by cuttings and don't develop roots until after being placed in the substrate.

Good luck with your first planted tank! I know you're gonna love it!

Don't feel bad , I just introduced some nice broadleaf sags into my 30 and some of the leaves went brown. I think I made a mistake before I planted them though , I put them into a glass of water with the leaves out of water for a short time and the leaves dried out a bit