hornwart and java fern

R

Rorie

AC Members
Mar 28, 2010
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I just added a few java fern and hornwart to my 20g long tank. I was having algae issues so thought adding plants would keep this in check...well that didn't happen because I'm still getting algae.

As far as the hornwart goes I may just remove that next water change. It's very messy, but I do love the way it looks. The java fern seems to be doing well. I only have 1 watt per gallon so it's low. I don't want to upgrade my hood so will keeping the light on longer be better for the plants?

Also they're all free floating (not buried in substrate). Is this the way they should be kept?

I'm new to the plant world do any advice would be great. Oh also I have the filter turned all the way up, but should I also add a air stone to get more co2?
 
You probably don't need an airstone if your filter is appropriate for your tank's size. Some fish like goldfish though do prefer extra aeration.

Java fern should be tied to something like driftwood or rocks, preferably porous rocks like a piece of limestone or lava rock. It will also grow in the gravel or sand, but to the best of my knowledge it won't grow floating...

Hornwort prefers cooler water, it does great in my goldfish tank, not so great in my 78-80 degree tropical tanks. It likes medium-high light but will hang on with less. And yes, floating is the best way to grow it since it will start dropping its needle like leaves at the bottom if you try to anchor it.

The best plants for your low light setup would be things like floating pennywort, water sprite or Amazon frogbit. Java fern, Java moss and Anubias are some popular low light plants. Anacharis or Vallisneria might also grow ok, but you should really try to upgrade your lighting if possible. What I would probably do is get a Versa glass top, like this:
all-glass-aquariums-20l.jpg

And put the fluorescent strip on the front and get another light strip for the back. If you can find a 2' utility or shop light, that would do.

Of course, you could also upgrade to a 30" T5 fixture like this:
http://www.bigalsonline.com/BigAlsU...5/cl0/coralifefwt5aqualightdoublestriplight30

Good luck!
 
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Good luck with keeping the hornowrt in check. They grow soooo fast even in the lowest lighting.
 
I had to get rid of the hornwart! What a mess!!! It clogged my filter intake and was just all over so it had to go! I did bury the java fern and that seems to be doing pretty well.
 
java fern will grow anywhere as long as the rhizome isn't buried and it gets some light. it's not a floater so letting it float free will just have it skipping around till it's in your intake.
 
dundadundun said:
java fern will grow anywhere as long as the rhizome isn't buried and it gets some light. it's not a floater so letting it float free will just have it skipping around till it's in your intake.
Click to expand...

What is rhizome? I did bury it so hope it will do well. I have sand like substrate. Does this make or break it's growth ability?

After taking out the hornwart my tank looks empty. Is there another plant I could add that isn't messy and doesn't require more than 1 watt/gal?

Thanks
 
The rhizome is the thick green horizontal stem that all of the other stems grow off of. It's very important you not bury this stem.

Substrate is not much of an issue with Java Fern.

Some other plants that do well with very little light include most mosses, Java Moss being the most common. Also Anubias, Cryptocorynes and Bolbitis (African fern) are great choices.
 
Rorie said:
isn't messy and doesn't require more than 1 watt/gal?

Thanks
Click to expand...

msjinkzd, mgamer or customdrum could help you out with that. there's actually a good handful of plants that might fit that bill if placed/used just right.
 
jpappy789 said:
Here's a visual on the rhizome...sort of where the arrow is pointing to...the thick green horizontal stem as Quartermain described it.

29-x-09-java-fern-and-epi-trellis-raft-i-s.jpg
Click to expand...

Ok then I'm not going to be able to bury it then because this is all that is there! Should I anchor it to something?
 
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