Feeding and Nutrition :: Amazon Sword Plant - Please Help

[julie373]

I've never done live plants, but I want to give my turtle more of a variety. How do I keep it in the tank? Floating? And is there anything I should worry about such as overeatting or toxic?

[octpusgirl8]

A sword plant is kinda pricey for turtle food, isn't it? I'm not sure about it's nutritional value, I did a quick search and didn't come up with anything. Anacharis is much cheaper, and I know it's really healthy for turts. As far as what to do with the plants, I either just let them float, or I use a veggie clip to stick them in one spot.

[jenaero]

I've offered amazon sword before, and they wouldn't eat it. I heard it's quite bitter. You might want to try anacharis, as suggested.

[untsmurf]

I've used amazon sword before and my turtle eventually ate it. I just tossed it in the tank and let it float, Mikey rips out the veggies if I put them in the clip.

[julie373]

I bought it for 4 dollars. I couldnt find the other ones that were suggested so I figured I'd give it a try. Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it. =)

[zoologist]

torti LOVES amazon sword. i planted it all nice in her tank and she had it destroyed in half an hour and devoured in two days

[Sarah89]

Anacharis is illegal to import/sell/grow in a few states. Those states are Vermont, Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, Oregon,Washington and South Carolina. Possibly even a few more states. Many pet stores sell Amazon Sword as an alternative.

[CaptainFiggi]

every turt is different. My turtle completely attacked the amazon sword. he loved it. he absolutly hated anarcharis.

heres stuf ur turt CAN eat safely.

VEGETABLES
• Romaine Lettuce
• Mustard leaves
• Leaves of Radish
• Collard Greens
• Carrot
• Beetroot
• Turnip Greens
• Sweet Potato [cooked - boiled/ steamed/baked]
• Beans
• Peas
• Pumpkin
• Squashes


FRUITS
• Papaya
• Mango
• Water Melon ( Feed rarely)
• Cantaloupe/Common Melon
• Grapes (remove skin so its easier for them to pick at )
• Pear
• Strawberry
• Figs

WATER PLANTS
• Anacharis
• Water Lily
• Duckweed
• Water Hyacinth
• Hornwort


LIVE PREY
• Feeder Fish ( guppies, rosey reds)
• earthworms
• mealworms
• crickets
• apple snails or other water snails


hope this helps!

[zoologist]

huh! so THATS why i can never find anachris in my petstores in SC, thanks Sarah ")

[ESG4Life]

why is it illegal?

[TurtleLover_S&B]

I don't know.I've never heard of it being illegal in some states,but I guess it is!

[marisa]

It's illegal because it's considered to be invasive (if it gets into waterways or ponds it will clog them up and choke the growth of native plants). It was allowed to be sold in CT until just a few years ago (I used to buy a lot of it).

Amazon swords were always pretty safe from being eaten by my RES (he hated them). But that didn't stop him from tearing them up and making a mess just for fun.

[Rubicon]

You guys can always buy it across the border and have a small tank to grow it.

[ryecatcher773]

Sorry to jump in, but is celery okay...? I noticed it was missing, but it's also not included on the 'do NOT feed' list.

[marisa]

I personally would put it in the same class as iceberg lettuce--- virtually no nutritional value, just a filler. Leafy greens and veggies that contain beta carotene (carrots, pumpkin, squash, etc.) are better.