Can I add a microsword?

[hcgirl80]

Hi,
I have a 10g aquarium with gravel on the bottom, flourescent lighting, very few other plants and I would like to add a microsword or two.
My stock will be(I just finished my cycle):
6 neon tetras
1 male betta
2 otocinclus

And my usual water parims are:
pH: 7.2
Ammonia: 0
Nitrite: 0
Nitrate: Very low

I do water changes 1.5g once a week normally and I dechlorinate with prime incase of an ammonia sprite

Another thing:
I am going to my LFS tommorow so I am hoping to get replies tonight so I can buy the microsword tommorow

 

[TKOS]

Right now I have a regular sword in my 10 gallon that is obviously stunted but doing quite well for over a year now. So I can't see why a micro sword would not do well.

 

[Leopardess]

Do you mean just a regular sword by "a microsword"?

Microsword generally refers to lilaeopsis brasiliensis, a grass-like, carpet forming plant....

 

[hcgirl80]

I would Like to add some microsword and a sword, sorry.
Petsmart does NOT know their plants. UGGH!

That's why you don't trust chain LFS.

~Paige

 

[djlen]

Paige -
For your size tank, you really want to stay away from most full sized Sword plants.
The plant that Leopardess suggests, L. Brasiliensis, or E. Tenellus, which is a true Amazon Sword Micro sword, would fit nicely into your tank. Both are tiny, grass-like plants. They should have a couple of watts/gal. to grow well though.

Len

 

[Leopardess]

IME, L. brasiliensis needs co2 to do well...as well as about 2.5wpg.

Dwarf saggitaria may be a better choice..and it seems less affected by not having a nutritious substrate, I think.

 

[hcgirl80]

Thanks for all your help! In awhile I am going to my LFS to get some more plants! But I gotta get off to get ready.

THANKS!!!

~Paige

 

[hcgirl80]

OK--
I just found out that the pet store gets their shipment at 10:00 am so I will be going to my LFS then.

I could still use more information, so lay it on me!