Pygmy chain swords are for all levels of aquarists, so it does not make a difference if you are experienced with aquarium plants, or just beginning to get the hang of it. Echinodorus tenellus spreads by runners and can form a nice carpet in the foreground areas of the aquarium. Choose plants that do not grow close leaves, but rather slow growing broad leaf plants. Shelter: The lush green carpet provides shelter for bottom-dwelling fish, fry, and shrimp. However, dosing the tank water with liquid fertilizers sparingly will aid its growth too. Once established, it creates a beautiful lawn like effect so is shown to best advantage in the foreground of an aquarium. and why? A benefit of this is that they won’t overrun the tank like other aquarium plants seem to do. Pygmy chain swords grow and spread quite well on their own, they seem to grow well by themselves and spread runners through the tank as well as producing seeds when mature, multiplying without your help. These animals will cut, eat, and uproot everything in the tank. Pygmy chain swords are excellent water purifiers and are great for plant-filtered tanks. Leaves of Echinodorus tenellus are narrowly elliptical or lanceolate, and since the plant has an almost feather-like appearance, it is most likely that they will overlay each other in the tank. To grow the Pygmy chain sword successfully, you are required to provide moderate-high lighting using full-spectrum bulbs. Common Name: Echinodorus Tenellus, Chain Sword, Dwarf Chain Sword, Pygmy Chain Sword Echinodorus Tenellus is a carpeting grass-like plant that bears a close resemblance to a mix between dwarf hair grass and micro swords. Relocation: In spite of their small size, the root system of the Pygmy chain sword is pretty huge. It forms a dense and lush green carpet that complements the aesthetics of an aquarium. Otocinclus catfish work great for cleaning the algae off your pygmy chain sword plants. Plants Quarantine. Larger fish can be observed resting in the grass at nighttime as it makes them feel safe. Get Some Chain Swords http://amzn.to/2g5CK1c Like This Video? However, fully-grown Pygmy chain sword and Sagittaria subulata have different sizes and colorations. Pygmy Chain Sword is native to the Americas where it grows fully or semi immersed in ponds, streams and other bodies of water. So, if you are interested in getting into this hobby or just want some extra tips and tricks, well this is the right place for you. Currently unavailable. In addition, you are meant to maintain a photoperiod of up to 12 hours daily, or else the carpet will become sparse. like Koi fish, Goldfish, Oscars, Rainbow, Jack Dempsey, Clown loaches, African Cichlids. To curb this, you can either choose to decrease the light intensity/photoperiod, dose liquid carbon in the tank water, or introduce cleaners i.e. The Chain Sword is found throughout North, Central, and South America, especially in southern Brazil and southeastern North America. Its slim, pointed leaves will reach 7 – 10cm. One of the ideal options is aquarium sand that is nutrient rich. Temperature: The plant should be kept at a temperature of between 22 – 26 °C (72 – 79 °F), which is regarded as the optimal temperature for its growth. These are commonly called the "chain" swords. Pygmy chain sword is ideal for beginners as it is quite easy to grow, requires minimal care, and can thrive without CO2. CO2 in a Planted Tank Guide However, if your pH is close to 7.0, it is possible to keep almost any snail or dwarf shrimp you like. Family: Alismataceae Narrowleaf Chain Sword (Echinodorus tenellus) Also known as Pygmy Chain Sword, this grasslike plant is one of the smallest of the sword family, and is an excellent choice as a foreground plant, or for small aquariums. Algae: The leaves of the Pygmy chain sword acts as a magnet for algae growth, and this is caused by excessive lighting. Depending on how big your aquarium is, you may want to buy several bunches; but keep in mind they create runners that will rapidly grow and carpet your aquarium. Because of the high light requirements, this plant is prone to algae growing on its leaves. This plant grows by sending out lateral runners just like hair grass and other swords and when gro Ideally, the plant produces petioles about 3 inches (about 7 cm) long; each petiole topped with a lanceolate leaf about an inch long. Some recommended soil substrates for the Pygmy chain sword (links to check the price on Amazon): Read more about it in my article “Top 5 Substrates For Planted Aquariums”. Pure Goldfish is reader-supported. Facts It will spread over the substrate (material used to cover the base of an aquarium) voluntarily. The leaves resemble a mix between dwarf hair grass and micro swords. Pygmy chain sword is much desired by beginner and experienced hobbyists who wish to create nice, green carpets in their planted tanks. Pygmy chain swords are one of the more interesting looking aquarium plants available on the market, with a dark green grass-like look, creating the appearance of a lush green carpet along the bottom of your aquarium. Take under consideration that plants after transport are not such beautiful like on photos from tank. Diseases & Treatments. How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants. Narrow Leaf Chain Sword also known as Pygmy Chain Sword is a freshwater aquarium plant. Echinodorus Tenellus, Pygmy Chain Sword. It is great for beginners as it doesn't require a lot to keep it healthy. Under ideal conditions it will create a thick foreground carpet through runners. Pygmy chain sword is a marsh plant species in the water plantain family Alismataceae. Feeding Each plug comes with 5-7 stems of Dwarf Chain Sword Care Scale of 1-10: 3.0 (grows better in good substrate, either dirt or a "Plant substrate" Can hand a PH from 6.5 to 8. Foraging place: Pygmy chain sword also serves as a foraging ground for inverts— shrimp and snails. Important: If you keep shrimp in the tank with the Pygmy chain sword, I would highly recommend reading my articles: Also, there are tissue culture variants of this plant and those are more viable since they are free from pathogens and pests. It is an annual species but maybe semi-perennial. The 4-inch grass offers a great safe and secure hiding space for the aquarium inhabitants, especially for fry, shrimps, and young apple snails. 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