Chain Sword

Description

• Substrate: Chain Sword is a heavy root feeder, so a nutrient-rich substrate is crucial for optimal growth. Consider using specialized plant substrates like ADA Amazonia aqua soil, Carib Sea Eco-Complete, or Seachem Fluorite. If using sand or fine gravel, supplement with root tabs to provide essential nutrients.
• Depth: Bury the roots at least 1 ½ to 2 inches deep in the substrate. When planting, be careful not to damage the delicate roots.
• Spacing: Space out individual plants for better coverage as they grow and spread through runners. For a dense carpet, plant specimens about 2 cm apart. 

• Moderate to High Light: Chain Sword thrives under moderate to high lighting conditions using full-spectrum bulbs. Brighter lighting encourages more compact growth and can even lead to a reddish tint in the leaves.
• Photoperiod: Maintain a photoperiod of up to 12 hours daily for optimal growth and a dense carpet. 

• Temperature: Keep the water temperature between 22-26°C (72-79°F), although the plant can tolerate a wider range (20-29°C / 68-84.2°F).
• pH: Ideal pH range is 6.5-7.5.
• Water Hardness: Chain Sword is tolerant of a range of water hardness, from soft to moderately hard. Ideal General Hardness is 4-18°dGH (71.43-321.43 ppm). 

• Essential Nutrients: Chain Sword requires regular fertilization as it’s a heavy root feeder.
• Root Tabs: Use root tabs to provide nutrients directly to the plant’s root system, especially when using inert substrates or to replenish nutrient-rich ones.
• Liquid Fertilizers: Supplement with liquid fertilizers rich in macronutrients and iron to promote lush, healthy growth and prevent deficiencies like yellowing leaves (iron deficiency). 

• Not Required, but Beneficial: While Chain Sword can grow without CO2 injection, providing CO2 supplementation can enhance its growth rate and appearance, leading to a denser carpet. 

• Pruning: Regular trimming of runners is essential to control the spread and maintain a tidy carpet. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth. You can also prune the leaves to an even height using curved scissors, similar to mowing a lawn.
• Water Changes: Perform partial water changes weekly to maintain good water quality and replenish trace elements. 

• Runners: Chain Sword primarily propagates through runners, sending out horizontal stems beneath the substrate.
• Daughter Plants: These runners develop daughter plants that can be separated and replanted elsewhere in the aquarium once they establish root systems. You can also clip daughter plants from runners and replant them to create a denser carpet. 

• Algae Growth: Excessive lighting can lead to algae growth on the leaves. Control algae by balancing light, CO2, and nutrients, or by introducing algae-eating fish or shrimp.
• Melting: New plants may experience “melting” as they adapt to a new environment. Maintain stable water parameters to minimize this issue.
• Leggy Growth: Insufficient lighting can cause the plant to grow tall and sparse instead of forming a compact carpet. Ensure adequate light intensity and duration.
• Yellowing Leaves: This may indicate a deficiency in nutrients, particularly iron. Supplement with iron through liquid fertilizers or root tabs.