[Mud]

My Swords are sending roots up into the water column. Does this mean they are creating a new plant or lacking nutrients? One of my Corey has been digging down in the roots lately.

 

[Preeths]

I blame the fish. Looks like they are disturbing the substrate and causing the roots to come out of the substrate

 

[mourip]

How deep is your substrate? Swords can get pretty big. Perhaps the roots have just doubled back, having no where else to go?

It probably has plenty of roots below the surface. I have a large sword that does that somewhat and the substrate in that part of the back of the tank is ~5".

 

[Mud]

How deep is your substrate? Swords can get pretty big. Perhaps the roots have just doubled back, having no where else to go?

It probably has plenty of roots below the surface. I have a large sword that does that somewhat and the substrate in that part of the back of the tank is ~5".

I just came across this post and I'm having the same issue all of the sudden. my Corey are huge diggers - lately more than ever (laying eggs a lot more too). My sword is pretty large and about 4 years old. Do I need to trim the roots or just keep pushing them back in? I have 3" of sand but just got another bag to add.

Here is a picture of it.
I've been growing pothos plants in the top of the tank. Could that have an impact?
The pothos plants are in a cut pool noodle so just the roots are in the water.

Edit: normally I don't have that many baby plecos but I was waiting to take them to my LFS to donate.

 

[vanostav61]

Substrate is not deep enough.

 

[NapTeamCaptain]

Substrate is not deep enough.

I agree, in my experience, 2" of the substrate is not enough for swords when they grow big. Also, you're issue isnt coming from a single reason. The substrate depth in addition to the fish digging around all work together. Just add another inch of substrate and you should be good.

Love your sword, it looks amazing. Good job!

 

[Mud]

Thanks! I'm adding more substrate this weekend.