Don't worry too much about the leaves, the plant needs some time to get used to your different water and light conditions and probably will lose some leaves. Also, it will first start to send its roots through the ground. This may take several months, and suddenly they start growing. Depending on the species they can grow BIG, so 8" is not yet a "jumbo"
There's a lot of controversial discussion among the plant profis concerning the best light colour, but mine grew just fine with cheap daylight tubes until it was too big for my 50 gal. I'd change the light tubes every 1/2 to 1 year, not all at once to prevent light shock. In general, the rule for plants is "the more light, the better" unless you have any that like less light.
The best results in growth can be seen when using CO2-fertilization, but they can do without. You'll need some fertilizers though from time to time, perhaps start with tabs placed in the gravel, and later add liquids regularly. I think sword plants like extra iron to prevent chlorosis - ALL leaves turning yellow. Perhaps try to get fertilizers without nitrate and phosphate to prevent algae growth. But your nitrates are low, so it shouldn't matter. Your pH and temp should be fine.
I don't know an English plant side, but a search with google should give lots of results. Or you may try the Dennerle plant database first (German company specialized in aquarium plants) to find out which species you have. Use the link below, click "plants" and search for "Echinodorus", you'll get lots of images of the different species and their requirements.
http://www.dennerle.de/ENGLISCH/e_frameset.htm ------------------
Gisela
moppel@gismo.owl.de
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