[gheitman]

Congratulations on setting up your first aquarium and getting into live plants. You've learned a lot in a short period of time. Part of the problem you may be having is that the standard 15W fluorescent hood you have isn't necessarily providing enough light for your choice of plants. Your HC (and the sword) would do much better with higher intensity lighting. Some plants which should do well in your tank include Java moss, Java fern, Anachris and many of the Anubias and Cryptocorynes. An Anubias would look very good anchored to your driftwood.