Echinodorus amazonicus

Care Level: Moderate
Lighting: Moderate
Placement: Background
Water Conditions: 72-82° F, pH 6.5-7.5, KH 3-8
Propogation: Peduncles
Max. Size: 1′ 8″
Color Form: Green
Supplements: Iron-Rich Fertilizer
Origin: Farm Raised, USA
Family: Alismataceae

The Amazon Sword Plant, Echinodorus amazonicus, is a Rosette plant that is very popular with aquarium hobbyists. They are capable of reaching approximately 20 inches in height under proper water conditions. The Amazon Sword Plant has short rhizomes, numerous lance shaped leaves that are pale to dark green with sharply pointed tips, and fairly short stems. It is an amphibious plant that will grow either partially or fully submersed.
For the most beautiful Amazon Sword Plants, a loose substrate and an iron-rich fertilizer must be used. The Amazon Sword Plant requires at least 2 watts per gallon of full spectrum lighting (5000-7000K). The aquarium temperature should be from 72°-82°F, with an alkalinity of 3 to 8 dKH and a pH of 6.5-7.5. Propagation is by adventitious plants on the covered peduncles.

Best cultivated in large aquariums, Amazon Sword Plants make a great focal point if used singly. When used in groups, they create an interesting background when grown with other aquarium plants.

aquariablog’s take: This was my centerpiece plant and my best grower…becoming quite lush.

Chaetomorpha

A popular choice for refugium macroalgae among advanced aquarists in the United States is Chaetomorpha. Unlike Caulerpa, Chaetomorpha is multicellular and, as such, is inherently more stable. It can be cut and pruned aggressively with little or no fear of toxins being released or having vegetative crashes. And, like its namesake, it can also simply be thinned gently with ease like strands of spaghetti noodles. It is fast growing and makes an excellent vehicle for nutrient export! It is also highly adaptable to a very wide range of lighting [Tip: illuminate most macroalgae in refugia with at least 1 watt of light per liter of water at depths less than 30 cm]. Like most “vegetable-filter” algae species, moderate to strong water flow is necessary; keep a total water flow of at least 20X turnover of the volume of the culturing vessel. There are many other benefits to spaghetti algae, not the least of which is that it is a superb matrix for the cultivation of microcrustaceans. Aquarists with thick masses of Chaetomorpha in their refugiums get a bounty of zooplankton to feed their corals in their display, assuming the refugiums is kept without predators like fishes on the plankton. This genus is also a rather hardy shipper; trading among aquarists is strongly encouraged to distribute this useful organism in the hobby.

aquariablog’s take: The only macro I cultivate for nutrient export due to it’s relative ease of care and the fact that it won’t go sexual.

Halimeda sp.

Family: Halimedaceae, Udoteaceae, or Codiaceae
Range: Global
Color Form: Green
Ideal Supplements: Iron, Calcium, Trace elements
Tank Set-up: Marine
Reef Compatible: Yes
Tank Conditions: 72-78ºF; sg 1.023-1.025; pH 8.1-8.4
Water Flow: Medium
Light: Medium
Dominance: Peaceful
Care Level: Moderate