How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants. A post shared by Uncle Fish Tank (@unclefishtank). However, fully-grown Pygmy chain sword and Sagittaria subulata have different sizes and colorations. Its slim, pointed leaves will reach 7 – 10cm. 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. If you prefer to have the blades all at the same length and height, you can trim them to your desired size. Pygmy chain swords grow quite rapidly and may require you to do regular trimming and propagation control – that is, if you do not want the whole foreground of the tank to be carpeted with pygmy chain swords. This plant does not grow very tall; in good lighting, it grows to a maximum size of 10cm or 4 inches in height, so it does not overrun an aquarium. They do prefer neutral water with a pH of 6.2 to 7.5, making this a flexible plant when it comes to temperature and pH differences. Marsilea hirsuta is best kept with small, peaceful community fish such as Bleeding heart Tetra, Neon Tetra, Mollies, Killifish, Swordtails, White Mountain Minnows, Zebra Danio, Cherry Barb, Sunburst Platy, Endlers, Mollies, Otocinclus Catfish, Pygmy Cory Catfish. Photos & Comments; Photo Credit: Alex Kawazaki. Pygmy Chain Sword is a lot like Dwarf Sag. Removal of excess nutrients: Because of its relatively fast growth rate, the Pygmy chain sword is capable of absorbing toxins from the water. Shrimp Safe Plant Fertilizers Provide intense lighting to facilitate the growth and development of shoots, and in no distant time, the plant will establish itself in the substrate with its extensive root system. The pygmy chain sword plant is also commonly referred to as ‘under water grass’ and it adds an exceptional look to an aquarium with its unique features and growth not found in other aquatic plants. A post shared by Hock Scapes (@newmercieseverymorning). Facebook Group 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. A Micro Sword Plant is often sold as a potted plant so its difficult to look at the plant’s roots in the store. Genus: Echinodorus Pygmy chain sword is native to the Americas — North America: in states like Texas, Michigan, Florida, Missouri, as well as parts of Central and South America (Brazil, Paraguay, Guyana, and Argentina) where it grows fully or partially submerged in marshes, ponds, streams, and other aquatic bodies. It grows well in both shaded and well lit situations. Note: Hydrogen sulfide pockets (H2S, the gas smells like rotten eggs) can be really dangerous to your fish or shrimp. Pygmy chain sword is one of the great choices for aquascapes. Pygmy chain sword is widely available in local fish stores; it costs about $5 – $10 or more for a potted bunch and two pots might just be enough to aquascape a whole tank. The Chain Sword - Narrow Leaf requires sandy soil and plenty of light. Additionally, make sure to place root tabs in the substrate bed for nutrition. However, the shaded plants are about 5 cm high, less than half the height of those growing in well lit areas. In addition, they develop a floral stalk at the tip of which there is one single umbel of several white flowers typically 3.5 mm in diameter. Your email address will not be published. It is great for beginners as it doesn't require a lot to keep it healthy. Required fields are marked *. Insects also inspired the invention of such items as paper and the chain saw. Resources Clade: Tracheophytes Note that the pygmy chain sword plant can change color depending on the conditions of the tank, which in this case is the intensity of artificial lighting. 49. This Chain Sword variety is prized for its hardiness, durability, fast-growing nature, and ease of care. Ideally, the plant produces petioles about 3 inches (about 7 cm) long; each petiole topped with a lanceolate leaf about an inch long. If you find that they do not seem to root in the substrate, you can try using plant weights, although they are not found in most pet stores, they are widely available online. and why? The Pygmy chain sword’s taxonomical hierarchy is as follows: Kingdom: Plantae Relocation: In spite of their small size, the root system of the Pygmy chain sword is pretty huge. Pygmy chain swords appreciate moderate to high lighting, although they grow faster with more light available. This swordplant features a height of 5 – 10 cm (2 – 4 inches) and thin leaves (0.1 inches or 3 mm in width). Under ideal conditions it will create a thick foreground carpet through runners. The plant has a main root from which several grass-like blades grow in no particular pattern or order. It can be an excellent decorative addition for jungle aquascape. They are even used in unfiltered shrimp tanks since they do such a great job of biologically filtering an aquascaped nano tank. Should you use Activated Carbon in a planted tank or not? Its vibrant green and lush coloration will add an appealing green carpet to the foreground of your tank. The Pygmy chain sword should be kept with docile freshwater fish and inverts. babaulti, etc. CO2 in a Shrimp Tank A Micro Sword Plant may also be available as … It will spread over the substrate (material used to cover the base of an aquarium) voluntarily. Both varieties are cultivated in the aquarium as foreground plants. It could also be treated with chemicals (pesticide) to remove parasites, snails, etc. Echinodorus Tenellus also known as Helanthium, Narrow Leaf Chain Sword, or Pygmy chain Sword is a great sword plant to be used in the foreground or mid-ground areas of the aquarium. Once established, it creates a beautiful lawn like effect so is shown to best advantage in the foreground of an aquarium. They readily absorb ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates to use for growth, keeping the aquarium’s water in better condition and reduce the need for water changes, a great benefit for you! How Copper Affects Dwarf Shrimp Pygmy chain sword is much desired by beginner and experienced hobbyists who wish to create nice, green carpets in their planted tanks. In the US, it is found in Texas through Florida and is distributed throughout Central America and the Caribbean. 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. Feeding Keep reading for more information on the Pygmy chain sword; I will be talking about its appearance, preferred water conditions, care, and how to cultivate it in a home aquarium. They can also seem unappealing in small aquariums due to the carpeting formation. Note: This plant tends to stay smaller under high light and a little bit higher under moderate light. It grows low and rapidly, making the bottom of the aquarium a vibrant green carpet. Aquatic plants, especially pygmy chain swords, are generous when controlling ammonia and nitrate levels in the tank. Before planting pygmy chain swords, it is a good idea to add root tabs and fertilizers to optimize the growth rate and health of your plant. Pygmy chain sword grows best in fine gravel filled up to at least 2 inches for proper rooting. Possibility of snails, I give live food. So, keep it in mind. The Chain Sword - Narrow Leaf, also known as the Pygmy Chain Sword, is the smallest species of the Alismataceae family. Algae: The leaves of the Pygmy chain sword acts as a magnet for algae growth, and this is caused by excessive lighting. They grow into a lush green carpet on the bottom of your aquarium and does not make your aquarium seem cramped with live plants. Currently unavailable. A benefit of this is that they won’t overrun the tank like other aquarium plants seem to do. On the contrary, when Pygmy chain sword is cultivated submersed, the plant tends to lose the petioles, and lanceolate leaves that can reach 10 cm (4 inches) would be produced. You are buying 3 small portion of Echinodorus Tenellus. This plant will be an additional place for the growth of biofilm, which is an ideal first food for newly hatched fry and shrimplets. It doesn't care about temps (can handle as low as 65 up to 80 degrees) like Koi fish, Goldfish, Oscars, Rainbow, Jack Dempsey, Clown loaches, African Cichlids. Pygmy chain swords are generally inexpensive both online and in pet stores. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Ensure that the tank water has enough iron content to prevent a case of transparent or yellow foliage. Foraging place: Pygmy chain sword also serves as a foraging ground for inverts— shrimp and snails. Dwarf chain sword will self-propagate by sending out runners all across your aquarium substrate. I am growing E. tenellus in a 2 WPG tank with a soil substrate. Family: Alismataceae The choice of keeping or eradicating them in shrimp, fish, or planted tanks has been a popular... Hi everyone! Find out more in our expert guide. Aquascape: It is an excellent ground-cover plant. Echinodorus Quadricostatus is a great sword plant to be used in foreground or midground areas of the aquarium. If you are planning to grow this plant in the sand or fine gravel, the substrate needs to be supplemented with root tabs so as to provide essential nutrients to the plant. Dwarf Sagittaria (Sagittaria subulata, read the guide about this plant here), Read more about it in my article “Advanced Guide to Planted Tank Lighting”, tweezers (link to check the price on Amazon), Best Cleaners For Nano And Small Aquariums. Long known both botanically and in the aquarium hobby as Echinodorus tenellus, it is now classified as a Helanthium species. Anyway, this can be achieved by dividing the bunch into smaller clumps or portions using your bare hands. Pygmy chain sword makes anexcellent carpeting plant for all levels of aquarists, from beginners to advanced. The pygmy chain sword has a light green to lush dark coloration and appears to be an aquatic version of grass with broader leaves and a thinner tip. Get the Book, Care Guide You will have to keep this as a routine due to its rapid growth. Aquariumbreeder.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com, chewy.com, and and other Affiliate programs. The roots … Pygmy Chain Sword is one of the easiest carpeting foreground plants to keep and it can even thrive in low-light/low-tech setups! This plant is a great spawning medium for egg scatterers to lay their eggs. That is because the plants grow no more than 3 inches, and even shorter if it’s in a small tank. Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE! Many saltwater hobbyists can attest to the fact that Aiptasia anemones can alter the balance of a well-established reef tank by overrunning it and inflicting harm on corals, fish, and... Scuds (or side-swimmers) are small shrimp-like invertebrates belonging to the family Gammaridae. Pygmy chain swords are relatively affordable both online and at a pet store, making them an inexpensive aquatic plant. Oxygenation: The plant helps in oxygenating and filtering the aquarium water by means of photosynthesis. Note: Echinodorus sp. Echinodorus tenellus spreads by runners and can form a nice carpet in the foreground areas of the aquarium. Echinodorus Tenellus, Pygmy Chain Sword. When the plant is through with this phase, it will establish in the tank and send out multiple runners on the aquarium floor. A post shared by Corey Butler (@jcoreybutler). Emersed to submersed: This is a common problem shown by emersed grown plants when transferred to an aquatic habitat. In addition, you can add plants like Red tiger lotus and Rotala rotundifolia to introduce red accents that will complement the greens. Pygmy chain sword can grow without CO2 injection, on the other hand, the addition of fertilizers is a necessity. like Koi fish, Goldfish, Oscars, Rainbow, Jack Dempsey, Clown loaches, African Cichlids. Echinodorus tenellus, also known as the Chain Sword - Narrow Leaf, and the Pygmy Chain Sword, is the smallest species of the Alismataceae family. About & Contact Pygmy Chain Sword Age of Aquariums > Aquarium Plants. Overall, pygmy chain sword is a great addition to any planted aquarium. A reputable online store should give you a refund if this is the case. Due to their structure, it can make it hard to see smaller invertebrate aquarium inhabitants since they will most likely hang out within this plant because they feel safe and secure, so you will not be able to see them much unless you investigate the aquarium from the top. Once again, ornamental snails should not be kept in a tank with low PH for a long time. Thus it can grow in soft to hard water without problems. pH: Pygmy chain sword thrives best in waters with optimal pH values 6.5 – 7.5. Make sure to add enough substrate to allow appropriate root growth. 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. Also, the Pygmy chain sword reproduces by seeds which are freely produced in emersed plants, however, this is not viable in plants grown submersed. The Pygmy chain sword’s taxonomical hierarchy is as follows: Kingdom: Plantae To grow the Pygmy chain sword successfully, you are required to provide moderate-high lighting using full-spectrum bulbs. Make sure to obtain plants with lush green leaves and healthy roots and be rest assured that they will thrive. It will negatively affect their shell. Regular pruning is another important care requirement for this sword species as it is a fast grower, hence there is a need for constant pruning of overgrown shoots and excess runners in order to keep the carpet in good shape. Pygmy chain swoard broadens and multiplies by creating runners that will start off small and soon reach full size. The pros outweigh the cons, making this a great beginner and easy to care for aquarium plant. Most pet stores will stock pygmy chain swords, although you will pay for the individual bunch (a few green blades attached to one root system). 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. 56. Here is the introduction: Among the many plants of the genus Echinodorus (commonly known as sword plants) are only a few varieties which propagate by rhizome runners. Considering its very fast growth, Pygmy chain sword can also be kept with plant-nipping fish species, but not the boisterous ones that may attack their huge root network. We don't know when or if this item will be back in stock. The emersed form of this plant is ideal for paludariums and terrariums, they possess leaves that are distinctively divided into the petiole (leaf stalk) and narrowly lanceolate leaves. Pygmy chain sword is ideal for beginners as it is quite easy to grow, requires minimal care, and can thrive without CO2. 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”. Application of liquid fertilizers; especially those rich in macronutrients and iron will help the plant stay lush and healthy. These are commonly called the "chain" swords. Take under consideration that plants after transport are not such beautiful like on photos from tank. Pygmy chain sword (Echinodorus tenellus) is a popular aquarium plant and one of my favorite carpeting plants. It has many regional genetic variants, and its subspecies inhabit waterways in the United States as well as South and Central America. Echinodorus Tenellus, also known as Chain Sword Narrow Leaf or Pygmy Chain Sword, originates from Northern and Southern America. I’m Michael and this is the place where I nerd out about shrimp. They also seem to not grow well without added supplements such as C02, root tabs, or special aquarium fertilizers. If you cultivate an emersed Pygmy chain sword plant, you will witness the leaves melt as the plant gradually transitions to submersed form. Pygmy chain sword propagates by sending out runners that creep along the aquarium substrate, and these runners give rise to numerous daughter plants that can be clipped and replanted in the tank. Pygmy chain sword is a fast-growing plant, and its tolerance and ease of care make it an excellent choice for beginners in the hobby. In the same vein, the addition of root tabs to the sand or gravel substrate is vital because of the nutrients it supplies. Note: The plant benefits more from the application of fertilizers in the substrate since it is a heavy root-feeder. How to Quarantine and Disinfect Aquarium Plants. Clade: Monocots This beautiful carpeting plant is indigenous to the Americas (North, Central and South America), and can be found growing in diverse waterbodies where growth conditions are favorable. Order: Alismatales Image Unavailable. Pygmy Chain Sword is a lot like Dwarf Sag. Excepting western cultures, in- sects are heavily exploited as a source of human food. Clade: Angiosperms The Pygmy chain sword is widely known as an outstanding plant for beginners since it demands almost no upkeep. Vallisneria. Plants Quarantine. Echinodorus tenellus is the smallest species of the Chain Sword genus “Echinodorus”. Caring for this plant is easy, you just need to provide ample lighting and fertilizers for proper nourishment of the foliage. 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. 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. Keep that in mind, because it is not possible to keep it in one spot. However avoid species that may find the plant too palatable, e.g. 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. For improved aesthetics, you can cultivate the Pygmy chain sword alongside its relative— the Amazon sword to add more depth and perspective to your aquascape. Pygmy chain sword is quite a sought-after plant that is treasured in the nano tank aquascaping community for its variety of benefits that include: providing a place for inhabitants to hide in, creating a renewable food source, and helping with water quality. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. For this purpose, you can make use of a good iron supplement formulated especially for aquarium plants. It is usually kept as a foreground plant as it does not grow very tall. It grows to about 4 inches tall and has a grassy appearance. Hardness: The plant is tolerant of a wide range of water hardness conditions. Broad Leaf Pigmy Chain Sword. For example, Japanese trapdoor snails, Ramshorn snails, Nerite snails, Malaysian Trumpet snails, Black Devil Snails, Asolene spixi, Rabbit Snails, etc.). Pygmy chain swords are excellent water purifiers and are great for plant-filtered tanks. It is rarely found in running water, instead being found normally in wet sand on the shores of lakes and ponds or in inundated … Pygmy chain swords are great biological aquarium filters and keep water parameters under control by absorbing ammonia and nitrates to help them grow, this keeps the water condition to a good level and helps contain harmful parameters that would harm the aquarium inhabitants. Give It A THUMBS UP! The plant forms a dense carpet on the bottom of your tank, and this serves as a refuge/hiding spots for dwarf shrimp and fish fry. In South America, it is found as far south as Argentina. Inverts are not left out, you should consider species that prefer the same water parameters (mostly pH), for example. The Chain Sword is found throughout North, Central, and South America, especially in southern Brazil and southeastern North America. However, these chemicals are extremely poisonous to fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates. Pygmy chain swords benefit from supplements such as CO2, fertilizers, and root tabs, although its best not to overdo supplementation and dosage depends on tank size and how much pygmy chain swords are in your aquarium. Share. Pure Goldfish is reader-supported. Pygmy chain sword is a marsh plant species in the water plantain family Alismataceae. Marsilea hirsuta is best kept with small, peaceful community fish such as Bleeding heart Tetra, Neon Tetra, Mollies, Killifish, Swordtails, White Mountain Minnows, Zebra Danio, Cherry Barb, Sunburst Platy. Overall, the Pygmy chain sword is a great plant and we are certain that you will appreciate the look of the luxuriant carpet formed by it. Pygmy chain sword grows well with plants that do not block out their light source such as floating plants. Common Name: Echinodorus Tenellus, Chain Sword, Dwarf Chain Sword, Pygmy Chain Sword Echinodorus Tenellus is a popular plant due to its growth patterns and leaf structure. © 2021 Copyright Shrimp and Snail Breeder, Helanthium tenellum, Narrow leaf chain sword, Dwarf Amazon sword, Micro Sword, The emersed form of this plant is ideal for, Pygmy chain sword (Echinodorus tellenus) is often confused and sold as, Wider leaves (0.2 inches or 5 mm in width), Can vary (from dark to light with a purple or reddish tint), Some recommended soil substrates for the Pygmy chain sword (, Care and Maintenance of Pygmy Chain Sword, Planting and Propagation of Pygmy Chain Sword, Problems Associated With Pygmy Chain Sword, Pygmy Chain Sword and Compatible Tankmates. Pygmy Chain Sword is native to the Americas where it grows fully or semi immersed in ponds, streams and other bodies of water. When planting into your aquarium, make sure you cover the roots, leaving the leaf blades and stem showing. A post shared by The Reef Aquarium Shop (@thereefindy). It is great for beginners as it doesn't require a lot to keep it healthy. Echinodorus Quadricostatus spreads by runners and can form a nice carpet in the foreground areas of the aquarium. Pygmy Chain Sword can eventually form a carpet. Echinodorus Tenellus will grow into a carpet, that will be thicker if grown und MABES WAREHOUSE MABES WAREHOUSE Echinodorus Tenellus Clump Pigmy Chain Sword Live Aquarium Plants $16.56 $ 16. Because pygmy chain swords propagate horizontally on the foreground of your aquarium, they are ideal for at least a 5-gallon tank; otherwise, the tank may not be able to handle the growth and fast developing runners when the plant propagates. Helanthium tenellum, the pygmy chain sword, can be found as a bog plant from the northern United States through Central America to Paraguay, South America. 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M Michael and this is that they will thrive if given medium to lighting... You like find the plant stay lush and healthy roots and be rest assured that they will thrive given! Will have to keep almost any snail or dwarf shrimp you like sword Age of >. Or eradicating them in shrimp, or planted tanks has been a popular... Hi everyone the system..., with thin blades that broaden towards the ends ’ s in a planted tank lighting.! Application of fertilizers is a good iron supplement formulated especially for aquarium plant one. Chain Swordplant is also known as an outstanding plant for all levels of aquarists, from to! Witness the leaves melt as the plant can have parasites, pests snails! Tabs in the tank dense and lush coloration will add an appealing green carpet provides for!