Java fern in empty tank..

[FreshyFresh]

I added a small java fern to my otherwise unplanted 29gal tank that is patiently in the process of a fishless cycle.

Will there be enough 'food' in the tank for this plant to survive?

Nothing but dechlorinated, filtered and aerated water at ~82F with ~5ppm ammonia. I have the LED hood set to run ~10hrs a day.

Thanks!

Joel

 

[metricliman]

Should be fine.

 

[PattyCakes81]

I added a small java fern to my otherwise unplanted 29gal tank that is patiently in the process of a fishless cycle.

Will there be enough 'food' in the tank for this plant to survive?

Nothing but dechlorinated, filtered and aerated water at ~82F with ~5ppm ammonia. I have the LED hood set to run ~10hrs a day.

Thanks!

Joel

At least you have some green in your tank! I think 10 hour photo period this early will bring algae. Maybe do 8 hours.
The plant should have enough food especially with 5ppm of ammonia.

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[FreshyFresh]

Ah! Maybe I should cut-back the light time then. I've been running that way for 8days or so. The tank is pretty heavily decorated. Some plastic plants, some silk, a big'ol plastic driftwood piece and a bunch of rocks.

Are plants typically pretty pricey? This tiny java fern was over $4 @ Petsmart. Had no intention of buying of course.. was there for Cat and Dog stuff!

Joel

 

[Slappy*McFish]

Live plants can be kind of pricey depending on your budget and on what you're looking to buy. However, you have to take in consideration that live plants grow and multiply over time and one little $4 plant will turn into several $4-$10 plants after a few months of growth. Take for instance the Rotala Macrandra I have growing in my tanks. I started off with one little dinky $3 bunch of stems and now I have probably close to $100 worth growing in my tanks just from cuttings and re-plantings. I'll probably sell some of the cuttings in the near future for $4-5/bunch.

 

[FreshyFresh]

Here she is in all her $4.49 glory...

Joel

 

[shloken38]

The live plant.....such a great thing! Eventually, you will find that they look much better and help water quality and will end up replacing the fake plants with real ones. That is exactly what I did an couldn't be happier!

Java ferns and anubias are practically indestructible. That plant will be fine. But as others have said, watch for algae. A good way to help with that would be to add fast growing plants such as anacharis and hornwort. They will out-compete the algae for the nutrients, and look nice to boot.


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