Something weird is happening with my possible sword

Andarial

Ok I thought this was an Amazon Sword when I bought it but I wasn't sure and now the leaves are starting to die on me. It's not just turning brown but it's becoming lace-like and falling apart here's a pic.

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...A/DSCF0137.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...A/DSCF0135.jpg

http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...A/DSCF0136.jpg

The part that is white is the disintegrating leaf.

(Sorry about all my questions as of late)

Rip

a lot of sword plants are grown emersed, because they'll grow faster, and therefore be able to be sold faster. when we put them in our aquarium, they become submersed, meaning fully under water. the leaves that are the emersed form will die off, while new submersed leaves will grow, which will look different from the emersed form.

if the leaves are becoming transparent, without browning/dying, that could mean too much light.

Andarial

Like too much of the power of light or too much hours of light?

redchigh

That's no sword. That's Dracaena. It's not a true aquatic, and will die once submerged.

If you have a place in your yard outside that stays moist year round, plant it outside. If not, throw it out.

You have to do your research before buying a plant... Stores will sell anything to make a buck.

If you can attach it to the side of your tank somehow, with leaves out of water and roots submerged, it might do well. Sort of like my 5-gallon tank with the bamboo.

Byron

I agree.

Andarial

Ok so should I just remove it from the driftwood crevice and go find a different plant to replace it? I will definitely look more closely at the type of plant, I never knew they would sell non-aquatic plants. If I do look for a new type of plant what kind should I look for?

Byron

There are many aquatic or semi-aquatic plants suitable for an aquarium. Many are included in our profiles, second tab from the left in the blue bar across the top of the page. That will give you some ideas.

It is regrettable that some stores--and here the "chain" stores are mostly at fault--sell terrestrial plants. Sometimes these "last" a few days, sometimes a few weeks, but they are not advisable. They can foul the water when they rot.

eileen

Do not get your plants in a tube thing at Petco ever. I bought a plant like that and when I got home looked it up on-line and it is a non-aquatic plant. I took it back to the store and got my money back and told them it was a non-aquatic plant.

I've also seen them sale Mondo grass at Petsmart as a aquatic plant with it is not also. Your best bet is doing research on the plant first. Most true aquarium stores will sell good aquarium plants over the Petco,Petsmart,Walmart chain stores. Most of those plants that I mentioned in the tube are for terrarriums not for being submerged in water. They look good for awhile but will died in the long run as those are bog plants.

If you get a sword plant they like those root tabs as they like Iron more. I have a low light tank and mine do well but I have to add the root tabs underneath them every month or so. A plant supplement like some of the Flourish liquid also works well for your planted tank.

redchigh

If you insist on petco tube plants, look for Java Fern or Anubias. Both should be tied to the driftwood and are easy to take care of.

Rip

i've also gotten wide leaf chain swords in the Petco tubes.