Growth Rates

[Slick Fork]

Hi there,

I have my first tank (since I was a kid) up and running and have a couple of Java Fern "Windelov" plants in there. I bought the plants on the advice of the fish store guy, I asked for "Idiot proof" plants and these were the ones he grabbed for me. I'm also thinking of adding some Java Moss to use as a denser cover.

I was wondering about the growth rates of these two types as well as reproduction. All the websites I've researched have listed them as slow to very slow. Unfortunately since these are relative terms I have no idea what they mean. When they say very slow do they mean that the plant will be mostly unchanged in six months time? I'm not in a particular rush but I have some specific coverage ideas for the Java Moss and if it's going to take 2 years to see any sort of expansion it'll have some bearing as to how much I seed!!

I did read the stickies at the top about encouraging plant growth but some specific advice on these two types would be great. My tank is a 33 gallon (36 inches long by 12 inches wide) and it came with it's own hood and light. I don't plan on upgrading the light fixture itself (although the flourescent bult is negotiable) so without a drastic improvement in the light I probably won't need CO2 injection for these plants correct? With a setup and plants like this how about some of these commercial fertilizers. I plan on using the flourish trace elements because there are somethings that tap water just doesn't provide!! But how about some of the others, If i'm not adding CO2 or light will I be wasting my money and (worse) encouraging algae growth??

Thanks for your patience and replies!!

[reiverix]

Growth rates are hard to gauge since everyones tanks are different. Your tank would be considered very low light. I think 36 inch bulbs are around 25w so you are less than 1wpg. Another bulb would help a lot.

With java fern you are more in the range of inches for months even with good lighting. The bonus is that java fern produces plantlets that can be pulled off and added to your colony.

Java moss is another slow grower. It's good for tying to rocks and driftwood and can be spread out to get the most out of it. In time it will creep along and fill out nicely. It can get a bit weedy and annoying as it tends to get into other plants. One loose strand is all it takes.

I'm sorry I can't be more specific about growth rates but it is all relative. Better lighting always benefits the plants and makes them grow faster.

In your case it will take some time to achieve a good density. I would be more inclined to start off with your desired plant mass. Your plants will also be fine without extra ferts or CO2.