i have a melon sword under 2 wpg CF with additions of excel and traces. it grows around 2 leaves per week in these conditions and is very much alive, but stays at a height of around 3 inches. if that helps any.
Melon sword
- Thread starter Wildiana
- Start date
I might add to the long answer to say that algea eating fish will help control the algea, but usually cannot keep it in check unless everything else in the tank is in good balance. The difference being the rate of algea growth and reproduction.
Also, In my experience, I have never owned a fish that would control algea as well as common ramshorn snails. I know some people don't like snails, but I'll never own another tank without them. It should be noted that I haven't owned otto's yet, so they may be as good as the snails, I just don't have any experience with them.
Many plants respond differently in many tanks, I would just watch it for a few weeks, and see how it does. I have a melon sword in my lowest light tank (2 wpg and tall tank) and it does O.K. I see more rapid growth and deeper red coloration in the other tanks with this plant, but it still grows and stays healthy under the lower light for me. This tank also grows dwarf chain sword which Requres much higher light according to everything I've read.
I agree the LFS shouldn't have sold it to you under the pretenses that he did, but it may still be O.K. and you have nothing to lose but some time.
Dave
