Why do my Amazon Swords Turn Clear?

[Sab_Fan]

I don't think the Power-Glo (18,000K) is what you want; that bulb is mainly about how things look; if you want better success with plants, try the Life-Glo (6700K) . . . this is designed specifically to promote plant life; of course, this may be the bulb you are currently using, but as noted your wattage is low

this may seem the simpler idea, but why not skip the swords and just grow more java ferns . . . you can take some steps that will improve your chances with swords, but you can do a lot with java ferns too . . . you might also look into anubias and cryptocoryne (wendtii) plants, as they generally like the same conditions as java fern

 

[JakeH]

I will check out the Anubias. Thanks. I really just try to keep plants alive as long as possible, since my loaches chew up any new growth...

 

[Sab_Fan]

I will check out the Anubias. Thanks. I really just try to keep plants alive as long as possible, since my loaches chew up any new growth...

cool . . .

your loaches eat your plants? this is the second time I've seen someone say something like that; I've raised loaches in planted tanks for years and never seen them eat the plants . . . they like to sit on the anubias, but I've never seen 'em so much as take a bite

I've raised clown, yo-yo and zebra loaches; what kind do you have?

 

[JakeH]

I think its the kobutai that eat the plants. In this tank I have 2) 1.5" Clowns & 2) 1" Polka-Dots (botia kobutai). This is my office tank & its just a planted grow-out. These little guys will join the big Clown & Kobutai shoal in the big tank later.

 

[JakeH]

Update: I planted both sword plants in the substrate as suggested. One is already sprouting new leaves, but the other has just wasted away further. Maybe he was already too far gone... I also added an Anubias & it seems to be doing well. Thanks again for all the help!

 

[sostoudt]

no problem glad to see one is getting better