Thanks guys for all the informative responses,

The time aspect was what initially drew me to the emmersed growing, but it sure wasn't the only positive I saw for myself. I'll probably hold out as long as I can, but after Thanksgiving starts family parties at my house, and I might have a bit of trouble explaining to my family and friends the very odd looking garden I have growing in the entertainment room =).

I'm happier with the growth now then when I posted originally, and although its not a full mat, its on its way. At the very least, along with the addition of some stem plants, I feel that I'll have significant enough biomass to keep algae from ever getting a foothold, as well as a fully cycled tank.

I realize that the half filling is not going to prevent algae, and was not suggesting that it would. Rather, I was concerned about the water temperature I should use when adding to my plants which have been growing colder than the standard tank temperature. I thought through it, and decided my best bet might be to add water that was the same temperature as the room, then raise it with a heater until it reaches the desired tank temp. I thought to do it half filled, as that will still allow me to plant all my stem and other plants as well when the tank does reach the desired temp.

This is my first real attempt at a planted tank, so I might be treating the gloss too delicately, but I'm not the one to say. I figure if I just add 78 F water and the plants end up dying back or something, I'd be pretty mad at myself.

Thanks again guys, and feel free to keep laying on the suggestions.

Mike