troubleshooting my planted aquarium issues

[bowsar]

I've got a couple of swords and a red melon in my 75-gallon tank, running a Fluval plant LED light, Eco Complete substrate, and root tabs with fertilizers - the whole setup. When I first brought them home, they had these huge adult leaves, but they died off within weeks due to the change in water and environment. It's been months, probably half a year now, and I'm still stuck with plants that have a ton of short leaves, but just won't grow upwards. Everything else in the tank is thriving, except for these. I'm giving them 10-12 hours of light daily, and like I said, they've got all the right gear. Tank's at 83 degrees, pH's at 7.5, and I do water changes once a week.

Here's a video of the tank:

[starlord]

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to say it again because it's relevant to your situation. I had the same issue with my swords, and it went on for over a year. I was stumped, just like you. Then I started using Seachem iron, and it was like a switch had been flipped. The sword plant just took off - large leaves, flowering, and it even produced a bunch of new plants. My mistake was trading away all the new plants I got. I should've kept them and planted them, because after that, the old sword's growth slowed down, and the leaves got smaller. It's still a healthy dark green, but not as impressive as it was.

[bowsar]

I know I've mentioned this before, but I'm going to say it again because it's relevant to your situation. I had the same issue with my swords, and it went on for over a year. I was stumped, just like you. Then I started using Seachem iron, and it was like a switch had been flipped. The sword plant just took off - large leaves, flowering, and it even produced a bunch of new plants. My mistake was trading away all the new plants I got. I should've kept them and planted them, because after that, the old sword's growth slowed down, and the leaves got smaller. It's still a healthy dark green, but not as impressive as it was.

I'm using seachem iron and doing everything by the book, but it feels like time is standing still. I've heard some people say you need to raise the light to encourage the plant to grow towards it, but I'm not convinced. I mean, if the plant wasn't healthy, it wouldn't be producing all these leaves, right? They just don't have the long stems I'm looking for. I've got two swords and they're both doing the same thing - it's not just a coincidence, that's for sure. Honestly, I'm just stumped - it's always me who ends up with these weird issues that nobody else can explain.

[TimeLord]

Honestly, sometimes it just doesn't click. I've had my fair share of struggles too, trying to grow Brazilian pennywort and it just didn't pan out, no matter how hard I tried. Maybe it's time to consider a change of scenery, I mean, a different plant. Perhaps another type of sword or even an aquarium lily could be the way to go.

[dungeon]

I think the substrate depth could be the issue here. I've found that swords tend to do better with a deeper root network, so I'd recommend aiming for 2-3 inches of substrate. If it's too shallow, they'll likely grow short and wide instead of developing those long stems you're looking for.

[bowsar]

I think the substrate depth could be the issue here. I've found that swords tend to do better with a deeper root network, so I'd recommend aiming for 2-3 inches of substrate. If it's too shallow, they'll likely grow short and wide instead of developing those long stems you're looking for.

I'd say it's roughly 3 inches deep, plenty of time for the roots to establish themselves by now. I mean, it's not like they're struggling to anchor or anything. The thing that's got me stumped is, there's no apparent reason these leaves don't want to grow upwards - it's a stem issue, not a leaf problem.

[burglar_4]

I'm no expert, but my Zorchzon sword is thriving. I've got a pretty deep substrate, at least 3 inches, and I'm using a bunch of root tabs. I also dose with Aquarium Co Op fertilizer every week. Assuming your lighting is on point, maybe it's just a case of bad luck with the plants. Sometimes you just get a dud. Worth a shot trying one from a different source if nothing else works.

[bowsar]

I'm no expert, but my Zorchzon sword is thriving. I've got a pretty deep substrate, at least 3 inches, and I'm using a bunch of root tabs. I also dose with Aquarium Co Op fertilizer every week. Assuming your lighting is on point, maybe it's just a case of bad luck with the plants. Sometimes you just get a dud. Worth a shot trying one from a different source if nothing else works.

I'm about to place a massive order from aquariumplants.com - their selection is insane compared to my local fish store. I just want to rule out any underlying tank issues before I do. I've got the lighting covered, fertilizers are in check, and I'm not using C02 - I've always thought it was a bit unnecessary, to be honest.

[starlord]

Watched the video, those swords look amazing. I'm actually jealous of that center sword, is that the red melon? If you want them to grow bigger, you'll need to increase the lighting. I'm guessing you're using a single 30-watt light, but doubling up would give them the boost they need. You could also try adding more root tabs to force some growth. Honestly, I was expecting to see some stunted or worn-out swords, but they're actually better than most out there. I'm thinking maybe when you bought them, they had already gone through their emergent growth phase. Growers often do this because it helps plants grow faster and avoids algae and snail issues. The emergent foliage can be quite different, with longer stems and differently shaped leaves.

[burglar_4]

Honestly, I don't think CO2 is necessary in this case. If your light and fertilizer are on point, that's usually the main thing that matters.