Ugly J.Ferns

[Aquarius0015]

I have an ugly coating of "black stuff" on my older java ferns. The newer ferns and other plants in the aquarium do not have it. It is mostly concentrated in the veins and grooves of the leaves. I don't think the java ferns are unhealthy in any way, just ugly. What can I do to fix this (without chemicals preferably)?

I add Flourish (per label's instructions). I did have C02 injection but I think I used too much yeast, b/c I was getting a lot of bubbles initially, but none after 4 or 5 days. I am considering adding Flourish Excel. My wpg is low, I think about 1.25. I also keep java moss and aponogeton.

Edit: I forgot to mention watersprite.

[Captain Hook]

I know what you mean about the ugly black stuff on java fern. I have hesitated to buy one because of the black I see on all the ones in stores. When I see them in contest tanks or anything though they look like nice plants with bright green leaves. I'm guessing it has a lot to do with light?

[valerie]

I also get the black stuff on some of the java ferns in some of my tanks. Its mostly in tanks that dont' get enough light. The algae stuff grows on teh leaves fster then the leaves grow. In my tnaks with higher light(2w/g insteadof the 1w/g tank with black stuff) the java ferns dont' seem to tget it.They are always producing new leaves taht if one starts getting bad i can always clip it off.

[TKOS]

Just pretty much older leaves. I kind of like the contrast to te new leaves. It is perfectly fine to cut these older leaves off but be aware that old leaves are often the source of new plantlets. If you see small threads growing fromt he tips of old leaves these are actually roots and will form a new plant if given the time.