looking for next step in aquatic plants, not anything that requires added fertilizers

[Magnum Man]

in my exploration of more “aquatic “ plants, and my liking of driftwood looking resin pots, I’m thinking about trying some swords… one of the on line sellers offers several varieties that come “potted” so a smooth transition… I’ve been slow to go this route, because of my hesitation to add fertilizer to my fish tanks…

will these grow with natural fish fertilizer??? are they generally tolerant of hard water??? the couple tanks I’m looking at adding new plants to, are “larger” hard water, live bearer tanks…

if the swords aren’t a good fit, any recommendations outside of the anubias family ( as that is my most planted aquatic )

 

[Magnum Man]

so, taking AI at it’s word in searching, looks like swords and several other “potted” plants are heavy root feeders so not likely what I’m looking for???

 

[Magnum Man]

going through the various Bucephalandra, and crypt varieties right now…

Ideally I’d like to find something a little “leggy” as both these tanks are 24 inches deep…

 

[OldFishKeeper]

in my exploration of more “aquatic “ plants, and my liking of driftwood looking resin pots, I’m thinking about trying some swords… one of the on line sellers offers several varieties that come “potted” so a smooth transition… I’ve been slow to go this route, because of my hesitation to add fertilizer to my fish tanks…

will these grow with natural fish fertilizer??? are they generally tolerant of hard water??? the couple tanks I’m looking at adding new plants to, are “larger” hard water, live bearer tanks…

if the swords aren’t a good fit, any recommendations outside of the anubias family ( as that is my most planted aquatic )

I love and raise Amazon Swords. They are OK with a wide range of temperature and pH. There are many variations of Swords, some with different water preferences, color variations and heights. They are heavy root feeders and require fertilization.

When trying them out and avoiding fertilization in the entire substrate, I grow them in smaller pots...some decorative, some resembling rocks or just hidden by rocks or driftwood. Makes it easier to fertilize and move them if they need different conditions.