Common freshwater aquarium plants are the Amazon Sword plants.They can liven up an aquarium, like many other fresh plants.You need to make sure you provide the right growth conditions and take care of the plant after planting.
Step 1: The water should have a pH between 6.5 and 7.5.
If you want to add Amazon Sword plants to your aquarium, you should still test the water for the pH range.You can buy pH testing kits from your local pet store.Acid and alkaline buffers are used to increase and decrease the water's pH level.You will likely need a combination of these products to reach and maintain a pH level in the 6.5 to 7.5 range.Follow the instructions on the product to control the aquarium's pH level.
Step 2: The aquarium's temperature needs to be regulated.
The temperature of the water should be between 22 and 28 degrees.The tank's temperature should be checked regularly and adjusted accordingly.An aquarium heater can be installed if the water is too cold.It depends on the size of your aquarium, with 100 watt being suited for 20 gallon tanks, 175 watt for 55gallon tanks and 300 watt in the 100 gallon tank.If you want to cool an aquarium in hotter seasons, you can replace the glass top with a screen and place a fan across the water.If the water is too warm for a long time, you should consider getting a cooling unit.
Step 3: Light your aquarium for 12 hours a day.
You will want to keep Amazon Swords in low to medium lighting conditions.Too much light can cause leaf burn.To promote growth, keep the lights on for a good portion of the day.
Step 4: Provide a good soil for your plant.
Amazon Sword plants need iron in their soil to thrive.If you need to add soil to your aquarium tank without removing everything, you can use a pipe that is two inches in diameter.Push the pipe into the soil to create a seal.The pipe should be spread around the bottom of the tank.When planting your sword plant, make sure to add a root tab.Liquid plant food can be used for aquariums.If you need to change your soil, you can transfer your plants and fish from your tank.The water should not be removed from the tank to do this.
Step 5: The plant should be pushed into the soil.
The Amazon Sword has a root bundle.The crown of the plant should be at the soil line if the hole is high.Scoop the dirt back onto the roots after setting the plant in the hole.Pack the dirt tightly around the roots to prevent the plant from floating up.As you bury the roots, make sure not to cover the crown.
Step 6: There are Amazon Swords in the tank.
You don't want to place Amazon Swords near the middle or front of your aquarium because they can grow large.They can obscure your view of the tank and even block out the lights.
Step 7: The plant needs to be trimmed.
Amazon Sword plants can grow to be up to 20 inches in height, and will grow long running stalks that spread into new plants.Prune the plant effectively if you don't have a large tank.Keep it away from the light sources so it doesn't spread around the tank.It is best to use shears.
Step 8: Remove dead leaves.
Amazon Sword leaves will not heal or regain their green sheen.You should remove the leaves from the main plant if you notice them turning transparent, brown or dying.You can trim them with shears, but you can also pull them off with your hands.Pull the leaf upwards as close to the stem as possible.Dead leaves should not be put under too much pressure.
Step 9: There is a plant that is good for algae.
Any number of factors can cause algae to grow on your Amazon Swords.If this happens, use a microfiber cloth to clean up the mess.If the situation doesn't resolve itself after a few days, it could be caused by a problem with the tank or filters.