argentine sword
 

hello guys just got an echinodorus argentine sword i was just wondering does this plant have to have substrate i got an anubias because i knew it didnt need substrate they only had one so i got the sword because it looked similar and thought maybe didnt need it the person at the lfs didnt know. Just wondering what you think i did see in the profiles that it did need substrate just wondering if any one had success without it.thanks alot

Not sure if you are talking about them needing a specific substrate or if they can be left completely out of the substrate? If the later, those do need to be planted in the substrate. Most any substrate will do though, sand/small gravel/specific plant substrate/etc. They are heavy root feaders so whatever substrate you chose they will benefit from a root tab or two about 2" from the crown to encourage the roots to seek it out.

Is your FW tank bare bottom?

no i should of been more specific lol i have just your regular old fish tank gravel its not anything special but there is enough to bury the roots i just thought it my need some special kind of special substrate but i was also wondering if my light was strong enough i have a t8 full spectrum daylight flourscent

Swords will grow in any substrate, I have used fine gravel for 20 years, and more recently am using sand in some tanks. Echinodorus species are my main planting, and they grow well. But they do need nutrients, they are heavy feeders as kangy mentioned. If you have other plants that are not in the substrate, such as your Anubias, the best general fertilizer is a comprehensive liquid. This feeds all plants in the tank, whether floating, attached to rock or wood, or rooted in the substrate. My poersonal recommended brands are Seachem's Flourish Comprehensive Supplement and Brightwell Aquatics' FlorinMulti. The substrate tabs such as Flourish Tabs for the sword will also be good, not necessary but it will help.

On your light, that sounds fine, although knowing the tank size would help determine if it is sufficient.

Byron.

30 gallon long 36 in long the light is bout 24in long

That should work for low and moderate light requiring plants. Swords fall in this group.