Time to give up on the amazon sword?

[maxthedog123]

As mentioned in other threads, I have a pressurized CO2 setup. Everything (Hygrophila corymbosa, dwarf hyro, red ludwigia, cabomba, moneywort, java moss) is growing well EXCEPT for my amazon sword (Echinodorus amazonicus, I believe).

Basically, my sword really doesn't seem to be growing much. The leaves are getting a bit thin, although they are staying pretty green. Lately I am seeing a lot of holes in the leaves, so I think my BN pleco is starting to tear it up at night.

I have 2wpg T5 lights (is that enough for a sword?), substrate is flourite/ecocomplete mix with some gravel on top, 30ppm CO2, and I've been using the Flourish series of ferts (although that is getting expense - will probably switch to bulk.)

Time to pull it out of the tank and replant some of my weeds in it's place OR is there something I should try first?

[wataugachicken]

have you tried using a liquid iron supplement? my boyfriend uses it for his swords and when first starting it, they showed obvious improvement over only 2-3 days. better color, thicker leaves, less yellow tint, and some added growth.

[nquint1]

Also try flourish tabs. They're made by Seachem. Put one under the sword or as close to it as you can get. Swords are root feeders so this helps a lot.

[rich311k]

Try the root tabs that sounds like a deficiency not fish damage. What are you fertilizing with?

[maxthedog123]

I've been using Flourish, Excel, and tried some potassium back when I first started using CO2 because everything was yellow.

I had my hand on the Flourish Iron last time I was at the LFS, but I was afriad that might cause more algae growth.

[maxthedog123]

Also, there are round holes about 1/4" all over the leaves in the last week. I think my BN pleco is hitting the salad bar at night.

[chrisgoforth]

Definately use the iron tabs. I have two swords that were not doing well until I began using the flourish liquid iron. I noticed an immediate improvement. I would use the tabs myself if they were available locally.

[tanker]

All your other plants get their nutrients from the water, but not swaords. Sword need root tabs and some iron. I have lots of swords and they all need root nutrients.