java fern?

[TrashmanNYC]

Im thinking about adding some java fern to my 75g.........how would i go about it? do you tie them to rocks?
http://triton.imageshack.us/Himg150/scaled.php?server=150&filename=img2288og3.jpg&xsize=578&ysize=480
http://triton.imageshack.us/Himg389/scaled.php?server=389&filename=img2287cq4.jpg&xsize=578&ysize=480

Thanks,
Robb

[nyc2tanks]

Robb,

I have had some success with Java fern, anubias and vallisneria. All other plants I have tried get chewed to shreds in days by African cichlids.

The java fern comes in a nice rectangular mat that is good and thick, about 3 inch by 5 inch. All you need to do is tie it to a rock or driftwood. I find thin fishing line works best, rather than thread that falls apart. The thin fishing line is very strong and nearly invisible.

The java fern mat seems to work better than individual plants, which sometimes get chewed up before they have a chance to grow. My mats all have fresh growth. As a slow growing plant, you don't need to mess with a CO2 system.

Good luck.

[TrashmanNYC]

Thanks........do they need to be near the substrate?

[joe_jaskot]

You can grow java fern and anubias floating. Val should be planted. Anubias can also be planted. Java fern can and will attach itself to almost anything. Very easy plants to grow.

[TrashmanNYC]

You can grow java fern and anubias floating. Val should be planted. Anubias can also be planted. Java fern can and will attach itself to almost anything. Very easy plants to grow.
so for the java fern, just attach it to a rock until it attaches itself?

[Afreakin]

I used rubber bands in my SA tank and they covered them up in no time. The closer to the light they are the faster they grow and the healthier they stay. Be sure to cut or break of the decaying pieces. I have heard that people silicon cork to the back or sides of the tank glass and attach the java to it and it grows.

[fischfan13]

I have always read that to get the best results out of Java Fern they should be attached to a rock or a piece of driftwood.
I believe that Java Fern grows from a rhizome. If rhizomes are buried they will rot and the plant will die. I received some recently at the NJAS auction and I am not having luck with these at all.

[Afreakin]

I think that water parameters will play a big role in how well they do in individual tanks. Kh, Gh, and Ph as well as Nitrates all make a difference.

[TrashmanNYC]

the java fern wont overtake the tank will it?

[fischfan13]

If it does then you will have plenty of people, me included, that would love to get shoots from you, or...
If you have too much by April 4th then you can bring it to the auction!:partay:

[foamerdave]

the java fern wont overtake the tank will it?
not unless you are Ripvanwinklal (sp?). Even in a tank set up to grow plants it is a slow grower

[AMBUSHPREDATOR]

Funny Dave ! Now I'm picturing him sleeping and the moss percolating over the top onto his face.

[nyc2tanks]

I cannot imagine any plant overrunning an african cichlid tank. Especially not slow growers like java fern or anubias.

I have been told cichlids don't eat the java fern or anubias because the leaves are tough and taste bad. I agree that the leaves are tough but I'll take it on faith that they taste bad. :grhair::grhair:

[DJRansome]

I have no luck with it at all. The big leaves die off, the small leaves live...sort of. And maybe I'll get a new leaf or two. I'm fine with vallisneria, crypts, and my sword is doing great. The easiest one thwarts me! Joe what's your secret? Afreakin, what KH, GH, Nitrates, etc. are working for you?

Oh, I had no luck with my herbivore mbuna. But the carnivore Tangs are good with the plants.