Potted plants are usually cultivated above the waterline in the nursery, and they are kept in a pot with rock wool. As a rule, these plants are only in water up to their roots, whereas the rest of the plant grows above the waterline. These plants grow fast and are healthy, they are free from algae and other pests. The rock wool itself does not contain any nutrients, but it is known to hold on to the nutrients in the water, which is heavily fertilized in the nursery. For this reason, the rock wool around the plant roots needs to be removed as completely as possible before the plant is put into the aquarium.
from
https://www.aquasabi.com/aquascaping-wiki_aquatic-plants_preparing-aquatic-plants
SafeStart will cycle a tank fairly fast as long as:
1. It has been stored and shipped so it does not freeze nor get much above about 100+F for any length of time.
2. It is used according to the recommendations for how much to add to a tank.
3. There is not too much ammonia and/or nitrite present in the water.
SafeStart contains live bacteria which need an ammonia source. Normally, that would be some fish added soon after the bacteria went in. I would add ammonia to produce 2 ppm and then add the bacteria Turn off the lights and run the filter. Test ammonia after 24 hours amd if needed 12 hours later. Only add fish at 0 ppm for both ammonia and nitrite after the first or secomd (if needed) tests. If you add no fish, you will need to be adding ammonia to insure the bacteria do not go dormant. I would suggest adding half the amount you used to get 2 ppm above and then only add it every other day. When you are ready to add fish, do a big water change and then add them.
Bear in mind your plants will consume some of the ammonia. Plants can do this a faster rate than bacteria. However, any ammonia plants use will not make any nitrite (so no nitrate either). So you should be ready for fish using Safe start pretty quickly.
Btw- water changes will help clear up cloudy water.
