Anacharis Looks Bad

[Midnite1971]

Hi People!!
I just bought a bunch of anacharis yesterday and thought it looked good at the store, but it doesn't. All of the leaves are brown and clear but the stems look nice and green. Is that what "melting" is? I currently have it floating at the top with the rubberband still on it. I have about 1.8 wpg.
1. Should I seperate the stems or keep it bunched.
2. Should I strip off all the leaves and let the stems float. Will they grow back this way?
3. Will leaving all those dead leaves in there cause an ammonia spike?
4. I have 7 Amano shrimp that are eating the dead leaves, is that OK?

Sorry for so many questions.....this is my first plant so I'm afraid I'm gonna screw it up!!
Thanks!!

 

[WinterWind]

Here is my take on things:

1. If you are going to plant it, take off the rubberband but keep them bunched together when you plant them. If you are going to float them, loosen the rubberband if possible.

2. Don't strip the stems of its leaves. I doubt they will grow back that way.

3. Take out dead leaves if possible. A few won't hurt too much though if you keep up with the maintenance.

4. Not sure, though I think it will be fine.

btw, when you bought the anacharis, was it crisp, green, and healthy? If it's not healthy to begin with, anacharis plants rarely make it and will just die in your aquarium. Always select healthy ones.