Fish eating plants?

[robmcd]

How long have the swords been in the tank? It is pretty common for the original leaves to ''melt'' and die away, only to be replaced by longer, different shaped leaves. I think this is because the swords that we buy in the store were not grown submerged, so they are not suited to growing underwater.

Also, what type of lighting are you using?

What is that substrate? From my experience swords do not do well in sand.

 

[fishguy1978]

How long have the swords been in the tank? It is pretty common for the original leaves to ''melt'' and die away, only to be replaced by longer, different shaped leaves. I think this is because the swords that we buy in the store were not grown submerged, so they are not suited to growing underwater.

Also, what type of lighting are you using?

What is that substrate? From my experience swords do not do well in sand.

Most nurseries will grow "aquarium" plants emersed as it is easier and faster. Once the plant is submersed it does go through a transition stage were the terestrial leaves "melt" and are replaced by aquatic leaves. Many of the plants we use in our aquariums come from areas that go through dry and flood stages. Swords and crypts are 2 examples.