Java Fern question...

[ATD]

I have an established 10g tank that I'd like to add live java fern to
replace the plastic plants. The problem is I only have about an inch
of gravel per which was the advice I was given at startup time. Tank
is healthy, cycled, Aquaclear Mini filter. 25% water change every 2
weeks, population: 4 Harlequin Barbs, 4 Neons, 4 Zebra's, and 1 ghost
shrimp. Nitrate hovers between 20-40ppm. Ph is stable at 7.0.

I need to replace the incandescant light canopy w/flourescent fixture
to accomodate a plant light.

My 2 concerns are:

a) is my substrate sufficient for Java Fern? I read the attach to
rocks and is my manin choice for this plant.

b) I have been using Proper Ph7 to keep my pH in check, otherwise out
of the tap it is more than 7.8. Proper Ph uses phosphate buffers.

Will the Proper Ph product cause a problem w/the Java Fern? Should I
use a phosphate pillow to remove excess phospates? I don't have an
algae problem (yet).

Thanks in advance!

Andy

[Dustin The-Wind]

Java Ferns are extremely hardy plants. I am not the plant expert, but I
never had difficulty having the Java Ferns in my tanks flourish.

My system involves the main concern of not missing the tank when I go to
drop them in. Once in the tank, they're on their own. They find a place
to "attach" to and grow. Then the little daughter plants that off shoot
the leaves find the place they want to "attach" to and grow.

I should add I only have Java Ferns, Java Moss, and Hornwort in my
tanks...for da fishes.
Organizing an AquaScape, concerns of lighting, C02, substrate, etc., are
essential for the Planted Tank. ..but.. IMHO one Java Fern, one 10
Gallon Tank, my system should work.

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[ATD]

Hah! I like that! I didn't miss the tank today!

I added two Java Ferns and two bunches of Hornwort to the 10G aquarium
today. I also did a 25% water change before adding the plants ( I do
25% bi-weekly). I replaced the incandesent hood with a flourescent model.

I am stopping the Proper Ph 7 useage and instead going to try keeping
the Ph stable with peatmoss. I may try it in my water aging bucket
before trying to add peatmoss in the tank.

I've been doing much reviewing of posts here and on the Usenet and have
found plant nutrients a major topic. While I am not planning on adding
a CO2 system to the tank I am considering other supplements. I've seen
iron a major topic and wonder if I should start adding supplements now
or wait and see how the plants do?

BTW, I am amazed how well the fish have taken to their new planted
environment. I must admit it looks much more pleasant now that real
plants have replaced the silk ones. The ghost shrimp literally jumped
at the Java Fern and began picking stuff off the rhizomes.

I have yet to remove the carbon, it's 5 weeks old, I've been replacing
it monthly but left it since I knew I was adding plants this weekend.

So, now that the plants are in do I add supplements (trace elements,
iron, etc) or do I wait?

Andy

Slide-R...@webtv.net (Dustin The-Wind) wrote in message news:<21835-411...@storefull-3112.bay.webtv.net>...

[Dustin The-Wind]

Not missing the tank is where my expertise ends. GOOD JOB!!!

.but..
These guys below must really be experts! They just skipped over the
part about not missing the tank:-)
The first link is about Java Ferns, the second is about peat(moss) and
the aquarium.

http://www.netpets.org/fish/reference/freshref/javafern.html

http://hjem.get2net.dk/Best_of_the_Web/peat%20page.html

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