Bought New Plants

[Riso-chan]

Today I picked up some plants; 2 java ferns, 1 bunch of java moss, and 1 brazilian sword. I actually ended up with more than that due to the fact that some baby ferns were hidden inside the moss, and the sword broke up into three after I got it out of the planter. One thing I need some help with is how to secure the moss to my gravel. Right now I've just managed to snag it around on the little rocks and pebbles.

[Oddball~]

fishing line and rubber bands work for larger things...

just lightly bury the moss, maybe?

[Riso-chan]

Thanx! I was told the brazilian sword could be either emersed or submerged. Anybody have any experience with this plant? I could try to place it higher at the surface if needed.

[ergo sum]

Somebody posted about a brazilian sword the other day. Take it back. It will not grow submersed.

As for the java moss secure it to rocks or driftwood but not the gravel. It will be a pain grown in that way. If you really do want to do this weigh it down with the gravel. Some people grow it on cork and use it as a back wall for the tank. Often I just let it float around. Soon enough it gets attached to things.

The fern can be grown in the gravel but most people attach it to wood.

If you want to attach things use cotton thread, it will rot soon enough and remove itself. Rubber bands are also good.

[CharlieV]

My Java fern was attached using the cotton method - worked on everything but the teracotta pot I have there (didn't have enough time). I have a couple of ferns secured using fishing line (get something like a 5lb leader) which is going to be removed once the roots have attached.
Brazillian sword is not submergable from what I have read so I chose Echnidorus Belheri (sp?) or broad leaf sword - submersible plant only real req is medium-strong lighting and a decent level of iron

have a look at the link to my tank, there is a broad leef sword at the rear of each side
Chaz

[Riso-chan]

Would it be possible to plant the barzilian swords near the top so they wouldn't die off? I'd like to save them if I can.