Amazon Sword Planted In A Fine Sand Substrate?

[JohnSM]

Hi,
 
I'm setting up an Amazon style tank and have everything added except plants and fish. I'm using silver sand as a substrate but would like to add some Amazon Swords to the tank, will they root in this sand? Will they do well in the long term?
 
I was originally planning on putting Java Fern/moss and Anubias in but the more I've been working on the tank the more I'm wanting it to be a biotope set-up.
 
I'm not an expert on plants so I'm wondering if this can be done successfully?
 
John.

 

[SO19Firearms]

Provided you feed them and love them and hug them they'll do fine m8

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Amazon swords get big. So make sure your tank is appropriate. They will outgrow a 75 gal. As a result it isn't as important what the substrate is as it is important it is deep enough. The bi6ger the plants, the more roots it tends to have. I like three inches give or take.
 
I also provide substrate fertilizers for swords and a number of other plants. For most tanks with varied plants it is a good idea to have fertilizers in both the substrate and the water. The former need replenishing over a number of weeks weeks or months while the latter it is once or twice a week usually.

 

[attibones]

Mine always have appreciated root tabs, but i find these guys will do well in just about any tank.

 

[JohnSM]

Thanks guys, I've ordered a few swords as well as API Root Tabs and API Leaf Zone 

 
John.