Swords that stay small?

[PPulcher]

Jay's recent experience (http://www.canadianaquariumconnection.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3220)with monster swords got me thinking... (always dangerous!). The only echinodorus I've ever kept was tenellus (pygmy chain sword). I'm setting up some new tanks, and might like to try out another variety. Does anyone have experience with swords that stay a manageable size over time, or all most of them destined to take over the tank?

[grumpystiltskin]

I have a bunch of small cute swords, they are called ECHINODORUS PARVIFLORUS,
they stay at about 6" tall max, they are really good for a foreground affect,
They send up flower spikes like all other swords, and then they turn into small plants, just cut them off when they have a sufficient root system. Look them up, They might be what your looking for.

[PPulcher]

They sound like they'd fit the bill! Thanks!

[Bcanoe]

Theres the broad leaf chain sword Echinodorus quadricostatus, about 5".
Also I have a compact form of Echinodorus bleheri, (Echinodorus bleheri 'compacta').This one grows about 8".

Cheers Bill

[Melody]

There's one called Echinodorus tenellus, known as the 'Mini Amazon Sword'. I noticed it on Roger's Aquatics plant list when I checked out the sale they posted about. Haven't a clue of what I'm talking about otherwise :Blush: .

[PPulcher]

Thanks Melody, I've kept that one before. It's really a foreground plant, get to be an inch or two tall. I'm after more of the traditional shape of the amazon sword, but ones that won't take over the entire tank :laugh: Tenellus does take over the tank, but in a different way through producing a zillion plants by runner. They are a little easier to thin out, though.

[DaFishMan]

Here's a few larger (but not HUGE) swords for your midground area. They have some red in them. Guessing a foot to 15" inch full size. I have a rubin and 2 ozelots (with red) in the tank I'm liking them alot. For those with lower light tanks, these work better then the green ones.

Ozelot Swords - usually green but some also have red in it.
Ozelot 'Red' - these are nice !
Echinodorus Rubin - reddish, narrower leaves.
Echinodorus 'Red Special'

Hope you get some nice ones :)

Do you have E tenellus right now ?

[PPulcher]

Here's a few larger (but not HUGE) swords for your midground area. They have some red in them. Guessing a foot to 15" inch full size. I have a rubin and 2 ozelots (with red) in the tank I'm liking them alot. For those with lower light tanks, these work better then the green ones.


Thanks for that list. I like the red ones. They seem like a good way to get the red colour into a low to moderately lit tank.Do you have E tenellus right now ?

Sadly I ripped it all out a couple of years ago because it was too 'easy.' Now I wish I had kept it.

I saw on the latest stocklist from Menagerie that they have some though.

[Edgezilla]

Echinodorus 'Gabreli'
Echinodorus harbich'
Echinodorus sc... 'leopard'

[Katalyst]

I'm having a blonde moment, I thought you meant swordtails. :laugh: I was picturing these teeny sword tails. Its gotta be the hightlights! :err:

[Melody]

Echinodorus 'Gabreli'
Echinodorus harbich'
Echinodorus sc... 'leopard'

I had to look all of those up :Embarassing: . Good to see you Mr. Edge & happy new year to you!

[Edgezilla]

Happy New Year. Been over a year since I visited the forums or even touch the hobby on a regularly basis.

[CACAdmin]

Welcome back Edgezilla. We've missed you around here.:yes:

[Edgezilla]

Echindorus 'Gabrieli'
http://members.shaw.ca/elui/photos/e_gabrieli.jpg

[Melody]

A very pretty plant :smile: .