Crypt vs. Sword

[bizfromqc]

Alright, laugh away...

I bought these plants at the LFS and asked that the names be written down on a piece of paper so that I could look them up later (maintenance, etc...).

I'm having a hard time figuring out the one of the left versus the 2 on the right. I have looked at numerous websites, hundreds of pictures but I'm still confused LOL

I was told one was a Black Sword and the other one a Crypt.

Can anyone help me identify which one is which and possibly what specific kind of sword and crypt these are so that I can research them (full name if available, not the common one).

Many thanks

[exv152]

The sword is on the left, and the two on the right are cryts. My guess is (but beware crypts can change dramatically):


Echinodorus 'Aquartica'
http://www.tropica.com/plants/plantdescription.aspx?pid=074F

Cryptocoryne x willisii
http://www.tropica.com/plants/plantdescription.aspx?pid=107

[bizfromqc]

The sword is on the left, and the two on the right are cryts. My guess is (but beware crypts can change dramatically):


Echinodorus 'Aquartica'
http://www.tropica.com/plants/plantdescription.aspx?pid=074F

Cryptocoryne x willisii
http://www.tropica.com/plants/plantdescription.aspx?pid=107

Many thanks for providing the information.

[Fishnut]

Agreed, Crypts can be hard to figure out.  Depending on the temperature of the water, the type of light and the duration of light, they can look very different even if they're the exact same species.

You'll need to add more gravel to the bottom of that tank, especially for the sword.  They develop one of the largest root structures in aquarium plants so they really do need s large amount of gravel in the tank to do well.  I would double up what you have already.

Also, if you add a root tab to the gravel around the sword, it will be even more happy!  I use Seachem Flourish root tabs: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/FlourishTabs.html

We're having a planted tank meeting on the 23rd of this month.  If you're looking for more information on plant species and how best to keep them, please join us!

[bizfromqc]

Agreed, Crypts can be hard to figure out.  Depending on the temperature of the water, the type of light and the duration of light, they can look very different even if they're the exact same species.

You'll need to add more gravel to the bottom of that tank, especially for the sword.  They develop one of the largest root structures in aquarium plants so they really do need s large amount of gravel in the tank to do well.  I would double up what you have already.

Also, if you add a root tab to the gravel around the sword, it will be even more happy!  I use Seachem Flourish root tabs: http://www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/FlourishTabs.html

We're having a planted tank meeting on the 23rd of this month.  If you're looking for more information on plant species and how best to keep them, please join us!

I will add more gravel, I was wondering if i had put enough in there. CaribSea bag said it was enough for a 20G but its probably not true for keeping plants all sorts of plants.

Now, If I'm going to go through the process of adding substrate, should I take this opportunity and add a plant specific substrate and mix it with the Kon Tiki in there now or just add more of the same? Also, is there any way I can go through this process without taking the tank apart (would be a PITA lol).

The sword has been in my tank for only 4 days now and its already starting to turn brown at the bottom of the leaves...err... I have a feeling its on its way out. Right now, all I have is 2 x 23w CFLs over the tank for about 12 hours a day with no CO2, no ferts and an inert substrate, that must be why its not happy but I didn't figure it would show these signs that soon 

I'm going to try and make the next planted tank meeting.

[Fishnut]

The plant specific substrates are great, but unfortunately it will mean that you have to take out the fish and most of the water.  Those gravels are full of fine particles that you'll need to keep..it's part of what you pay for when buying them so the gravel needs to be added, then water needs to go in carefully so that the gravel is not disturbed.  I made the mistake of dumping it into a tank full of water the first time I used it and the tank was mud for over a week.

If you want to avoid that, add more of the inert gravel and rise it well so the tank doesn't get all dirty from the gravel dust.  Adding the plant tabs will make up for the fact that there is no nutrients in the gravel for the plants right now.  They're not too expensive either. 

When it comes to lighting, I'm usually confused but there will be guys at the meeting who will be able to help you on that.

Looking forward to seeing you at the meeting!

[exv152]

...The sword has been in my tank for only 4 days now and its already starting to turn brown at the bottom of the leaves...err... I have a feeling its on its way out...

I wouldn't worry too much about the browning of the leaves, many plants go through an aclimation period wherein they shed their old leaves and sprout new ones, and this is very true for all swords.  Also, be aware the crypts will probably do the same within the next week or so, the leaves may melt away, but they should come back, even if they lose all their leaves I wouldn't panic just yet. I would however reduce the lighting period from 12 to somewhere between 8-10 hours because you're just accelerating the plants nutrient requirements without adding more nutrients to replenish. For planted substrate debts I usually go with something between 3-3.5 inches of depth. Especially for plants that consume most nutrients through the root systems like swords and crypts do (and as fishnut said). Just my two cents based on a few years of experience.

[bizfromqc]

It's incredible the wealth on information one learns on a forum like this.

Thanks everyone for the pointers!

[Laura]

Is that plant in the middle a java fern (windelov)? If so, you'll want to expose the roots and attach it to some driftwood or ornament. They don't grow like other plants....

[bizfromqc]

Is that plant in the middle a java fern (windelov)? If so, you'll want to expose the roots and attach it to some driftwood or ornament. They don't grow like other plants....

Yes it is.

The picture you see in this thread is an old one, the windelov is now attached to a piece of driftwood and its roots are exposed 

http://ovas.ca/forum/index.php?topic=52651.0