View Full Version : Getting Myself Some Java Fern, Maybe. - Help?
So after moving from Goose Creek, SC to Knoxville, TN and then from Knoxville to Sevierville, TN all in a week or two my 10 gallon tank's biological filtration bombed on me. I went out and purchased an AC 30 to replace my annoying UGF, and restarted my tank from step one about a week ago. My Red Eyed Tetra is doing fine, and I've been doing water changes twice a week as a precaution.
Any who, I've wanted to add plants for a while, and now is an opertune moment to do so. Since I have only one Red Eye Tetra, I figure one or two small plants would consume most of the bioload so I wouldn't have to worry much about Patootie -the Red Eye- while I'm starting off at my first public high school. -Dear Lord, I've never seen so many teenagers! And it doesn't help that I'm a sophmore who looks just as lost as the freshman.-
The only store I know of in this area to buy plants from would be PetSmart in West Knoxville. I've looked at their plants, and well, they look horrible. I don't really have the money to purchase plants off of here. -The plant prices are right, but with shipping I just can't afford it-
So my question: If I go to PetSmart and pick up a plant or two -most likely Java Fern-, what precautions should I take before adding the plant(s) to my tank? Like I mentioned, their plants don't look that good, and I'm concerned with them causing problems for my tank. Also, PetSmart keeps snails in little breeder-things positioned inside the plant tanks. I'm concerned that maybe a snail or two slipped out and into the planted area.
Any help is appreciated!
EliWhitney314
08-22-2009, 4:01 PM
What lighting do you have?
What lighting do you have?
I believe it's a 15 watt fluorescent.
EliWhitney314
08-22-2009, 4:19 PM
I would save up and get a t-5 light. I mean for now it would be fine if you put the java fern in your tank, but java fern will appreciate the t-5. Also you should buy some yamato green, it makes your plants grow like crazy.
If you just give your plants proper lighting, and give them their necassary nutrition they will be fine. The more you don't move your plants the better.
If you are worried about snails you could dip the plant in a solution of potassium permanganate if you have it or a couple minute dip in a 1:20 solution of bleach and water. The bleach dip stresses many plants however.
I actually like a few snails in my tank. They can help controll algea and eat some of the food that sinks to the bottom.
I would save up and get a t-5 light. I mean for now it would be fine if you put the java fern in your tank, but java fern will appreciate the t-5. Also you should buy some yamato green, it makes your plants grow like crazy.
If you just give your plants proper lighting, and give them their necassary nutrition they will be fine. The more you don't move your plants the better.
The thing is, I can't afford new lighting. I have a broken 35 gallon that needs the bottom glass panel to be replaced, and it might need another filter, etc. The 35 gallon either has to be fixed or I'll have to get a new tank, seeing as I need a larger tank at the moment.
Move the plants? Explain please.
Yamato Green? I've never heard of it, so I guess I should do some more research. I'm assuming it's a fertilizer, correct?
You mentioned proper lighting. Isn't 1.5 watts per gallon enough for low light plants? And with a decent fertilizer, I figured there wouldn't be any problems.
If you are worried about snails you could dip the plant in a solution of potassium permanganate if you have it or a couple minute dip in a 1:20 solution of bleach and water. The bleach dip stresses many plants however.
I actually like a few snails in my tank. They can help controll algea and eat some of the food that sinks to the bottom.
I don't dislike snails, it's just that with living in a new state and going to a new school, I really don't want to add much more to my plate at this moment. In a month or so, I should be calm enough to, but for now I'm still too nervous. I also have four dogs, so yeah. Loads of stuff to do.
Also, I'm unsure of how to take care of snails. None of the food I put in the tank sinks to the bottom, as I only feed my Red Eye one flake which he promtly eats. I do get a bit of alage on my plastic plants, but when I add live plants they will be removed.
Somervell
08-22-2009, 4:46 PM
The snails that they keep at chain stores in little containers are probably mystery snails (brig. diffusa) They require pairs to mate, and their clutches are pretty obvious, so not likely to be hitchiking on your plants. The box stores do, however, often have bladder snails on their plants. Just give them a careful going over. If you want a snail or two, depending on they type, they will eat algae wafers or veggies of left over fish food-- love 'em myself, but not too big on bladder snails. Diffusas are pretty much low mtce. critters.
EliWhitney314
08-22-2009, 5:11 PM
Yeah it is fertilizer. I just mean don't disturb the plants, or move them from where they are planted if you can help it.
It would probably be enough lighting, but they won't look as good.
The snails that they keep at chain stores in little containers are probably mystery snails (brig. diffusa) They require pairs to mate, and their clutches are pretty obvious, so not likely to be hitchiking on your plants. The box stores do, however, often have bladder snails on their plants. Just give them a careful going over. If you want a snail or two, depending on they type, they will eat algae wafers or veggies of left over fish food-- love 'em myself, but not too big on bladder snails. Diffusas are pretty much low mtce. critters.
They have three types of snails. And I guess just checking the plant should work.
Yeah it is fertilizer. I just mean don't disturb the plants, or move them from where they are planted if you can help it.
It would probably be enough lighting, but they won't look as good.
Oh, yeah, I don't plan on moving anything once they are placed in the tank.
As for lighting, my 10 gallon isn't really for show. Just a holding tank for my Red Eye until my 35 gets fixed, or until I get another larger tank.
I suggest getting Java Fern here on AC, or online vs local chains. I think you will get more value for your $$, even with shipping.
I've ordered from mikeswetpets.com (or his ebay store) several times and always got a good deal.
I recommend attaching java fern to a rock, it makes it super easy to move for cleaning or rearranging.
Death Pony
08-23-2009, 2:34 PM
I can send you a rather healthy portion of one of my ferns for a good price. I have more plantlets than I can handle right now. Send me a PM if you're interested.
EliWhitney314
08-24-2009, 1:22 PM
well there you go