Java Fern

[Omega]

I just put two bunches of java fern in my African cichlid tank. They're not planted in pots but the base is attached to a small foam (I think it's foam) square with a metal band and the roots coming out the bottom.

My tank has low nitrates and phosphates and is heavily aerated, so CO2 will also be low.

I chose these plants because they're some of the few plants you can keep in a tank like this.

Should I add some plant fertilizer or does it need it?

 

[ergo sum]

You probably won't have to. Watch to see if your fish eat it. Make sure they can digest it.

 

[Omega]

You probably won't have to. Watch to see if your fish eat it. Make sure they can digest it.

My yellow labs took bite-sized pieces out of them at first and then spat them out. They've stopped doing that fortunately. The fish don't touch them now and it's only been 24 hours.

I'm not sure what it is but there's something about it they don't like and that's why java fern is the most popular plant to keep with Malawi fish. Maybe it tastes bad. I'm not sure if they can digest it or not.

 

[webcricket]

As long as you are running the lighting less than 2 watts per gallon, they shouldn't need fertilizer, you'll just find they grow pretty slow.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

As long as you are running the lighting less than 2 watts per gallon, they shouldn't need fertilizer, you'll just find they grow pretty slow.

agreed i wouldnt add anythign.

 

[midiamin]

your fish don't like the taste. Very few fish do. Feeding should be determined by the health of your plants. I've grown those species of plants without any artficial light. Just daylight.