Keep Your Amazon Sword Healthy And Thriving
The Amazon Sword, or Echinodorus amazonicus, is a popular aquatic plant for hobbyists. This species is a great part of any aquarium, adding beauty, structure, and shade for other inhabitants. When adequately taken care of, the Amazon Sword can grow quite large and become a focal point of the aquarium. However, proper care and maintenance is essential to ensure the health and longevity of your aquatic plant.
Light Requirements
Amazon Sword requires medium to high lighting levels to thrive. It is best to provide the plant with one to two watts of lighting per gallon of water. This can be achieved with LED, fluorescent, or incandescent lighting. If LED is used, the Kelvin temperature should be in the range of 6500K to 8000K. Additionally, the lighting should be kept on a timer and set to 10 to 12 hours per day.
Temperature
The ideal water temperature for Amazon Sword is between 72 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature drops below this range, the plant may become dormant and eventually die. The water temperature should be monitored and maintained with an aquarium heater.
Fertilization
Amazon Sword is a heavy feeder and benefits from regular fertilization with a liquid fertilizer. The fertilizer should contain a balance of macro and micronutrients and should be applied according to the directions on the container. When fertilizing, be sure to keep in mind that too much fertilizer can be harmful to the plant.
Substrate
Amazon Sword does best in a rich substrate. A mix of sand, clay, and peat moss is ideal for this plant. The substrate should be about two to three inches deep. Additionally, the substrate should be checked periodically for compaction and replaced as needed.
Co2
Amazon Sword benefits from a supplemental source of Co2. This can be achieved by using a pressurized Co2 system or a bubble counter. If using a bubble counter, the Co2 should be set to about two to three bubbles per second. Additionally, the Co2 levels should be monitored regularly and adjusted as needed.
Water Quality
It is important to keep the water quality high to ensure the health of your Amazon Sword. The water should be tested regularly and kept within the proper parameters. The pH should be between 6.5 and 7.5, and the hardness should be between 5 and 10 dKH. Additionally, the nitrate and ammonia levels should be kept low.
Pruning
Amazon Sword should be pruned regularly to promote healthy growth. This can be done by cutting off the dead or dying leaves and stems. The pruned material should be removed from the tank to prevent it from decaying and polluting the water. Additionally, the plant should be trimmed back to encourage bushier growth.
Maintenance Tips
In addition to the above mentioned tips, there are several other things you can do to keep your Amazon Sword healthy and thriving. Make sure you are not overfeeding your fish, as this can lead to excessive waste in the tank. Additionally, remove any dead or dying leaves or stems regularly and vacuum the substrate to remove any debris.
Conclusion
The Amazon Sword is a great addition to any aquarium. With the right care and maintenance, this species can become a focal point of your aquarium. Be sure to provide the plant with adequate light, temperature, fertilization, substrate, Co2, and water quality. Additionally, prune and trim the plant regularly and clean the substrate to keep your Amazon Sword healthy and thriving.
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