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I read somewhere that java fern was good in a clown loach tank as they don't eat it and they find it more difficult to dig up. So I bought a couple of bunches of it and wanted to know how to look after it. I spent about 40 bucks on the plants and have never had any long lasting plants in my tank. I bought some fertilizer for the tank and have been periodically adding it to the water. Is there any special fertilizers I should be using? CL's are sensitive to any changes in the water so will fertilizers become a problem for them?

I would like to come out of this with a success story so any advice would be appreciated.

PS. I have had the plant in the tank for about 2 weeks now and so far all is well...no sign of sickness.

Really your solution is quite simple - do nothing ! Java Fern is tough as old boots. Doesn't need much light and shouldn't need any additional ferts. Just make sure it's tied to wood or rock and not buried in the gravel and it should take care of itself.

---

Some days you're the pigeon and some days you're the statue.

Remember that age and treachery will always triumph over youth and ability.

If you don't like the look of Java Fern tied growing on wood/rock, you can scatter some large river stones on your gravel and tie it to one of those.

I've never needed ferts with java fern, they do appreaciate it some, but because they dont' grow as fast as other plants it's more likely to support the algae rather than the java .

Between them growing on wood and them growing on rock, they can (obviously) root easier to wood, but I didnt' notice any growth differences. If the tank is above 2wpg, then they will appreaciate CO2 but like the ferts, it's not needed.

good luck.

^_^

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My 10 gal is almost all Javas some tied to rocks, and some baby javas right in the substrate for a bit of a lawn effect.. No ferts or extra care required.

The Amazon Nut...

does it have to be tied to wood? at the moment i have most of the roots buried under the substrate. i have a log in the tank that it would look quite nice with but how do i tie it onto the wood? would rubber bands do?

Hi,
Take a look at this site:

http://www.nature-aquarium.com/home.htm

It will tell you how to do what you are asking, and
offer other suggestions.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

thanks for all your tips! I'll check out that website now.