linda mar wrote:

so.. my question is, how close-packed can you put sword plants together
(amazon and ozelot) without severely affecting their well-being?

Do not plant them any closer than 5-6 inches. Even that far apart, you will be
forcing the leaves to point up rather than out. Further apart and they can
spread horizontally.

Also, is
it okay if they get tucked away in a corner?

Yes. Leave 2-3 inches to the glass in each direction.

also, can I prune them now, or
should I wait until the roots take hold? (one of the swords are really
sprawled out sideways.. I was hoping I can chop off about 4-5 of the stalks
while leaving like, 10 leaves...

Prune as much or as little as you want, always from the outside, unless an
inside leaf is damaged. Always prune leaves that show even a bit of wear and
tear, since they won't be around for long anyway.



also, I've read that you're not supposed to cover the crown of the plants
with substrate.. but if I don't, the larger plants keep floating away (small
ones stay ok)... will this amend itself once the roots take hold better?

Yes. Try a rock or wood on a sacrificial outer leaf for a week or two, to give
the roots a chance. Or trim more leaves.



also, I got few java ferns. can I stick them in the gravel too, or do I
need to train it to a rock or a wood like anubias?

The latter is better.



also, how does anyone clean the gravel when it's a jungle in there...

Haven't done it for 15 months and counting.

Have fun!