Argentine swords not growing??

[jhawk__]

They've been in my tank since day 1, and I've seen no growth from them. There is a few brown spots on the leaves also. They are in a 10 gal with Eco complete as a substrate. I also have API root tabs in.

All my other plants (compacta, water sprite) are showing tons of growth!!

I don't have the best light, it just came with a 10 gal kit, but I figured It would be fine for low light plants.

Am I doing anything wrong? I don't plan on getting a new light anytime soon, but I can get some fertilizers. What would you guys suggest?

I'd prefer to not use co2, as I have no clue how to use it.

 

[Brian_Nano12g]

Trying dosing flourish and excel on a weekly basis as directed on the bottle. The excel is a liquid carbon and is great in low light tanks as a substitute for co2. The root tabs are definitely good for swords.

 

[jhawk__]

Trying dosing flourish and excel on a weekly basis as directed on the bottle. The excel is a liquid carbon and is great in low light tanks as a substitute for co2. The root tabs are definitely good for swords.

Do they sell excel at Petco? And will it harm my fish?

 

[AaronW]

Excel is sold at any LFS or petco or pets smart with an aquatic section

 

[jhawk__]

Excel is sold at any LFS or petco or pets smart with an aquatic section

Okay, thanks! Ill have to get some

 

[meegosh]

Swords can go through dormant periods where growth stops. Just a thought..give it some time.

 

[Rivercats]

The two big swords in my 220g go through dormant no growth periods so I wouldn't be too concerned. Mine always kick back into growing mode usually with a vengence. Using Excel IMO is a good thing. Not just for the sword but for all the plants.

 

[jhawk__]

The two big swords in my 220g go through dormant no growth periods so I wouldn't be too concerned. Mine always kick back into growing mode usually with a vengence. Using Excel IMO is a good thing. Not just for the sword but for all the plants.

Do your swords ever get brown spots? And ill definitely pick up some excel over the weekend!

 

[Fresh2o]

Do your swords ever get brown spots? And ill definitely pick up some excel over the weekend!

I've not seen Excel in the PetCos/Petsmarts but I have seen API CO2 Booster (an alternative).

Be patient; I took out several large Sagitteria because they basically turned brown and died after only three weeks. Later, upon inspecting the brown clumps of dead leaves I discovered some new growth and white roots. unfortunately, not all of these took kindly to a second replanting.

 

[Rivercats]

Do your swords ever get brown spots? And ill definitely pick up some excel over the weekend!

No they don't but I have a dirted substrate capped with Eco-complete, use root tabs with extra phosphate and iron which swords love, and I use dry ferts daily.

 

[jhawk__]

Ill have to try that out rivercat. I already have the Eco complete and root tabs.

What dry ferts do you use? And what light?

Sorry about all the questions !

 

[Rivercats]

I use these ferts from Greenleaf Aquariums.... Aquarium Plant Fertilizer | Green Leaf Aquariums.

I have 4x39w T5HO 6000K Midday Geisemann bulbs with 3x150w 6000K HID Metal Halides