Micro Sword Requirments?

[adammorrill]

While I was at my lfs today I saw some micro sword that I wanted to get, but I didn't know what kind of care it needed so I just got some java ferns and swords instead. I know want to go back and get some, but I want to know if my tank could grow it. I have a 55gallon tank with a t5-ho 104wat light fixture and I dose ferts every few days. I don't use CO2 and I don't plan on ever going to CO2. So could I grow micro sword in my tank, and make a small carpet?

 

[M1k3y_gumi]

I don't have any personal experience but I think micro swords and othe fore ground plants do better with some type of co2. Have you considered liquid carbon like flourish excel? It's pretty easy. Just daily doses. Also. I heard foregrounds need alot of root nutrients so unless you have high nutrient substrate I would look into root tabs(seachem seems to be best). Again no personal experience here but just things I've read.

 

[adammorrill]

I have read the same thing about most carpeting plants too. My substrate is just regular aquarium sand but for the plants that need it, I put a ball of clay by their roots.

 

[M1k3y_gumi]

If that seems to be working then I don't see why not. I guess there's not too much worry for nutrients. But I do suggest the liquid carbon because even if you don't want to go pressurized or DIY, some source of carbon is probably going to be important in getting good growth.

 

[adammorrill]

I think there might be carbon in my fertilizer. I got dry ferts and mixed them into watter bottles.

 

[M1k3y_gumi]

I may be wrong but I don't believe carbon is included in standard fertilizers but check to see if they have cyclogluteracetal(carbon source)

 

[Super_Blueberry]

Keep in mind that liquid carbon sources are not nearly as effective as co2, and on a large tank to have any real effect, it takes a lot and can get really expensive really fast.

 

[aqua_chem]

Under strong light and CO2, microsword still at best grows at a moderate pace. Lacking good carbon, it will only grow slower. You might have to wait a long time to get any appreciable density of growth.

 

[M1k3y_gumi]

Agreed. liquid carbon really isn't the same as the real thing but for a foreground plant like micro sword I think you'll do better with than without(since you mentioned you don't want to go co2).

 

[adammorrill]

So do you think I could keep it alive, even if it grows really slow?

 

[aqua_chem]

Definitely, assuming everything else in the tank is ok.