Java Fern

[Stelladea]

Over the past several weeks I have added some java fern to my previously
unplanted 20 gal freshwater tank. My problem is that, since I added the fern
nitrites in the tank are now detectable (albeit ever so slightly) --
previously, nitrites were zero.

Someone mentioned that decaying java fern foliage is most likely the culprit,
as I do weekly 20-25% water changes, and that I need to remove 'dead' leaves.
Problem is, none of the leaves are 'dead' -- some have black spots; should I
remove those???

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[R Chabot]

Those "black spots" are most likely spores from which new smaller
(baby?) plants will emerge. This is a slower growing plant but -
after some time - you'll probably see some baby plants emerge from
those black spots.

On 29 Jul 1998 20:05:46 GMT, stel...@aol.com (Stelladea) wrote:

:Over the past several weeks I have added some java fern to my previously

--
Please delete NOSPAM from the return address before replying directly to this message via e-mail.

[David Whittaker]

Stelladea (stel...@aol.com) writes:
> Over the past several weeks I have added some java fern to my previously
> unplanted 20 gal freshwater tank. My problem is that, since I added the fern
> nitrites in the tank are now detectable (albeit ever so slightly) --
> previously, nitrites were zero.
>
> Someone mentioned that decaying java fern foliage is most likely the culprit,
> as I do weekly 20-25% water changes, and that I need to remove 'dead' leaves.
> Problem is, none of the leaves are 'dead' -- some have black spots; should I
> remove those???
>
> Any help would be greatly appreciated!

The java fern should be soaking up nitrate/ammonia and potassium.
If this is not the case, you most likely require a bit more light.
--
Dave Whittaker
ac...@FreeNet.Carleton.ca

[Jay Mallar]

If the spots on your Java ferns are actually black spots, yes, clip the
leaves off - according to my books this is exactly the best time to trim
these particular plants.

If the spots on the ferns are brownish and are raised, they may be fern
babies - this plant produces babies on it's leaves. Let them grow big
enough to replant and you have more Java ferns for free!

-Jay

R Chabot wrote:
>
> Those "black spots" are most likely spores from which new smaller
> (baby?) plants will emerge. This is a slower growing plant but -
> after some time - you'll probably see some baby plants emerge from
> those black spots.
>
> On 29 Jul 1998 20:05:46 GMT, stel...@aol.com (Stelladea) wrote:
>

> :Over the past several weeks I have added some java fern to my previously

> :unplanted 20 gal freshwater tank. My problem is that, since I added the fern
> :nitrites in the tank are now detectable (albeit ever so slightly) --
> :previously, nitrites were zero.
> :
> :Someone mentioned that decaying java fern foliage is most likely the culprit,
> :as I do weekly 20-25% water changes, and that I need to remove 'dead' leaves.
> :Problem is, none of the leaves are 'dead' -- some have black spots; should I
> :remove those???
> :
> :Any help would be greatly appreciated!
>