Pygmy Chain Swords

[ZoddyZod]

I'm looking for a 'grass' option for some areas of open gravel in my tank and I was wondering if the Pygmy Chain Sword is an appropriate option? I currently have anubias, cabomba and vallis growing quite well in the tank and was hoping for something that will be as successful in the same conditions.

current set-up/routine

125L tank
pH 7.8
2x 20w T8 - 8hr photo-period
1.5ml TPN+ daily
1ml Easycarbo daily
Standard gravel (some root tabs for the vallis/cambomba).

is there a good chance the chain swords will do well?

Also, is this a good price? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/50-Pygmy-Chain-Swords-Tropical-Aquatic-Fish-Tank-Plants-/260621148046?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish

 

[lljdma06]

I'm looking for a 'grass' option for some areas of open gravel in my tank and I was wondering if the Pygmy Chain Sword is an appropriate option? I currently have anubias, cabomba and vallis growing quite well in the tank and was hoping for something that will be as successful in the same conditions.

current set-up/routine

125L tank
pH 7.8
2x 20w T8 - 8hr photo-period
1.5ml TMP+ daily
1ml Easycarbo daily
Standard gravel (some root tabs for the vallis/cambomba).

is there a good chance the chain swords will do well?

Also, is this a good price? http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/50-Pygmy-Chain-Swords-Tropical-Aquatic-Fish-Tank-Plants-/260621148046?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish

Oh yeah, E. tenellus will be fine in your setup. I've grown it well, with a lot less. Can't comment on the price, though, I'm not from the UK. Depends on the size of the plants. If he's talking little plantlets, then I'm not so certain. Plantlets can be very tiny and may struggle in the gravel. If the plants are larger... Not that E. tenellus gets especially big, but you get my meaning.

llj

 

[ZoddyZod]

good point, I hadn't thought about the size of the roots. If they aren't well established then I'll never get them to stay in the gravel.

 

[lljdma06]

It's not that E. tenellus won't do well in gravel, it will, you just have start off with plants that have enough of a root system to anchor well. 50 plants for 5 pounds kind of suggests to me that he's got little plantlets.

 

[ZoddyZod]

It's not that E. tenellus won't do well in gravel, it will, you just have start off with plants that have enough of a root system to anchor well. 50 plants for 5 pounds kind of suggests to me that he's got little plantlets.

Agreed. I've asked the question but I think you'll be right.

I've never seen them at an LFS, otherwise I'd buy them locally.

 

[ian]

thats a great price!

mine have never stayed very small though, mine have always got to about 10-15cms, so don't make a 'grass' imo.

 

[Tom499]

I agree with ianho, its not really a "lawn" like appearance, but they do spread readily in my relatively low tech tank.

And despite some major reshuffles and a major algae outbreak, they cling on and slowly grow back. I use a sand substrate though, so cannot comment on growth in gravel.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

I had really fancied trying these plants as well. However the seller on e-bay that I'd seen said..."we can't guarantee we have the plants in stock so a substitute will be sent" DOH! If you get some you'll have to let me know how they go

 

[ZoddyZod]

thats a great price!

mine have never stayed very small though, mine have always got to about 10-15cms, so don't make a 'grass' imo.

hmmm, 10-15cm was not what I was looking for for the foreground but sounds like it will work well for filling in the spaces in the mid-ground. Might just plan an open gravel semi-circle at the front and plant around that.

If you get some you'll have to let me know how they go

if he confirms that there is substantial root growth then I'll probably give them a go.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

Well I took the plunge and bought some. I wanted some months ago and wasn't 100% sure, so I decided to give it a go

 

[ZoddyZod]

Well I took the plunge and bought some. I wanted some months ago and wasn't 100% sure, so I decided to give it a go

funny you should say that, I placed my order 10mins ago. He said the roots are "about 3cm" although I think that's a fib. The auction states that he buys the plants when he receives orders!

Shame you are buying them, I was going to target you with any of the 50 that I dont need

 

[ian]

they will be the little plantlets (3cm root) as llj stated, expect them to melt when you replant them. I'm not sure but you may find you'll loose a few when planted. Let us know how you get on and at the end of the day, it was only a fiver.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Let us know how you get on and at the end of the day, it was only a fiver.

will do and yes, cheap as chips.

Now to find the required 2hrs with which to rescape.

 

[dipsydoodlenoodle]

they will be the little plantlets (3cm root) as llj stated, expect them to melt when you replant them. I'm not sure but you may find you'll loose a few when planted. Let us know how you get on and at the end of the day, it was only a fiver.

That is what I thought. I was going to order the 10 but then I thought I'd loose some and then I can always give away the rest if I have too many.

Well if you loose all of yours and mine survive or vice versa we can always try a swap lol. I definately don't want 50 (I just didn't know "how big a plant was") is it one leaf or is a few leaves per plant.

Now to find the required 2hrs with which to rescape.

I'll do it lol. I like messing with the tanks; however it would take me longer than 2 hours to get there haha.

 

[ZoddyZod]

Let us know how you get on and at the end of the day, it was only a fiver.

here they are planted.....not bad for a fiver at all!