Sword Plants in gravel?

[twb716]

I have a 50gal tank that is in need of some plants, and the bottom is a mixture of medium and small gravel. The tank has been set up for over 3 years, and has been running great. I am interested in putting some sword plants in the tank (it's been all rocks up to this point), and am wondering if I will have to pot them in other substrate, or if it is possible to plant things directly in gravel. Thoughts? I have a CO2 actuator on the way. Thanks in advance.

TB

 

[biogirl361]

you can plant stuff in gravel. from what i have heard, the ideal substrate for optimal growth is some kind of enriched sand, but your plants are probably not going to die if you don't go to the time/expense of changing the substrate. look into some of those root tabs or other substrate fertilizer and the small/medium gravel shouldn't be a big issue.

 

[phanmc]

most sword plants develop very large root systems and require a nutrient rich substrate. most gravel, like sand, do not provide any nutrients to the roots. So your options are to use fertilizer tablets to compensate or change substrate.

 

[TKOS]

It all depends on the level of growth you want. Swords can and will over take any size tank they are put into if given the optimum groth medium. I use gravel in my 10 gallon tank and my sowrd has been happily sprouting leaves for 2 years now and has grown quite large. But it is obviously a slower growth at the beginning though I still need to trim it quite often (and it does produce baby plants).

Your gravel is full of good "soil" from your fish over the years. Sticking a sword in there will be fine. I would recommend having gravel that is at leats an inch deep, but 2-3 around the plant would be best. I add a liquid fert at water change time and the leaves are green and lovely.

It has been discussed here before but most swords are grown commercially emersed, so when they are first put in a tank they tend to loose their old leaves rather fast, this is normal and new different shaped leaves will grow in their place.

High light is needed, at least 2 wpg if not more.

 

[tanker]

I just root my swords in plain gravel (tank has been established for 10 years). They are HUGE. They more dependent on good light and CO2 (IMO).

PS--My gravel is over 3 inches high. Plants need the room for their roots.