Who Gives A Fish Forums

Ditch the fancy substrate, go plain gravel. Plants don't need the hype, just light and food. My Java Fern's thriving in a bucket with LED desk lamp, no joke.

Lovely to see. Kribs are a favourite of mine, I've always been keen to keep them. Not suitable for my current tanks, but that's great for you.

Not having personal experience with Osmocote, I've found Seachem root tabs to be highly effective in my own setup, especially when it comes to promoting healthy growth in sword plants.