View Full Version : Never Done Real plants before, and want some help
spudjnr123
10-11-2007, 10:05 AM
First off, I've never even attempted a real plant in an aquarium, however, I just can't see putting a carpet of false plants down, because that would look too unnatural. So I'd like to start off with some java moss. Here's the tank:
http://photos-b.ak.facebook.com/photos-ak-sctm/v126/76/22/33311235/n33311235_32391241_8742.jpg
I want to place the java moss directly in center underneath the driftwood. First question, would java moss be okay in a tank with non full spectrum light? I have a window, but it's fairly useless, because the tank is around the corner. Next question, would I need ferts? I'd rather not put ANY chemicals into my tank, except those for the fish. I know java is a low light, hardy plant, which is why I chose it. Also, I'd like to know how often I would need to trim. I'd like to have it branch out to the front center of the tank, and nowhere else. any advise would be helpful,
my stocking is in my sig.
spudjnr123
10-11-2007, 10:10 AM
Oh I forgot, there is one ghost shrimp perusing the bottom
Ajordan
10-11-2007, 12:57 PM
I have java fern and java moss in a tank with no ferts (one tank is less than 1 watt per gallon of light too)... I think most people would agree that it is possible for these plants. As for lighting, I would recommend replacing the bulb in whatever fixture you have with a full spectrum bulb. It will give you a much better chance having success the first time around and is one of the cheaper upgrades that still has significant benefit. just my opinion...
beviking
10-11-2007, 2:45 PM
You should be able to use java moss. Do you add any food to the tank? It will need some nutrients. Do you leave the lights on for long periods of time? Are the lights in the room on most of the time? Java moss can survive in very low light and not grow much at all. It's hard to say how often you wold need to trim but not very often is a good start and probably less than that I would guess.
spudjnr123
10-11-2007, 5:52 PM
do you mean plant food or fish food? Obviously I feed my fish, but no I don't feed non-existent plants. The Lights are on for a LONG time. probably too long, but that's the way it is, usually from 8:00am-11:00pm.
msjinkzd
10-11-2007, 8:11 PM
i keep java mass in a vase in my window and its bright green and reproducing like crazy. My tanks have less than 1 wpg and I don't fertilize. It will be fine. That being said, I am not sure how easy it will be to keep it contained in just the area you would like it. It usually is easiest to attach it to driftwood or using screening to make a "wall". I have never used it as carpet although I know its common to do so.
beviking
10-13-2007, 9:20 AM
do you mean plant food or fish food? Obviously I feed my fish, but no I don't feed non-existent plants. The Lights are on for a LONG time. probably too long, but that's the way it is, usually from 8:00am-11:00pm.
Yes, I meant fish food. I saw your stocking list but didn't see any fish in the pic. 7 neons are hard to hide in a tank that size so I assumed you were setting up another tank. The fish food/fish waste will supply nutrients for the moss. Smart move keeping ottos in there.
greymalkin
10-16-2007, 5:02 PM
I have kept java moss before and found it to be pretty hardy. It does well in varying light levels and I don't think you would need fertilizer. The only thing I would suggest is perhaps attaching it to your driftwood or to rocks. I have tried using it as a carpet for my substrate and it is a nuisance when vacuuming the gravel and tends to detach and get caught up in my filter intake and within my cannister filter.
no to steal this post but I wanted someone to enlighten me as to what "feeds" the plants in the tank. is it nitrAtes?
I always wanted java moss and fern in my tank but could never get it to grow.