Just planted my tank! Can I plant java fern directly into PFS?

[evident]

I got some anubias and narrow leaf java fern from msjinkzd the other day, as well as some filter media to help me speed up my cycling.

I have a Marineland C-360 Canister filter on a 45G tall (36 w x 24l x 12d)
My lighting is a 24" T12 Tube, currently a GE AquaRays 20W lightbulb.
Currently in my tank is a piece of driftwood and pool filter sand.

I planted the Anubias next to the driftwood, hoping it will latch on. the roots are partially exposed. I may try the rubber band approach later (ill probably snag a few from the office tomorrow!)

As for the Java fern, i planted those in the PFS, trying to keep as much of the roots exposed as possible.

Am i doing everything right so far?

 

[digitalphrage]

I won't say you can't, but I've never had much luck with java fern unless it was attached to a piece of driftwood or rock. The roots seem to like to be exposed, clinging tightly to the surface of wood or rocks where the plant can choose which roots it wants to plunge into the substrate (if any) and how extensive those roots will grow.

The anubias will probably be the same story. It'll latch onto that driftwood and try to grow vertically towards the light...much of its root system will be exposed, with only a minor portion of it actually anchoring it into the substrate. However, the anubias roots are very sturdy and grow fast enough that if it doesn't have anything to attach to, it can still grow vertically using its roots as pillars to push the newest leads higher and higher towards the light. Unfortunately, java fern roots don't seem to be sturdy enough to act as stilts, so I'd definitely consider mounting them on the driftwood.

 

[evident]

I won't say you can't, but I've never had much luck with java fern unless it was attached to a piece of driftwood or rock. The roots seem to like to be exposed, clinging tightly to the surface of wood or rocks where the plant can choose which roots it wants to plunge into the substrate (if any) and how extensive those roots will grow.

The anubias will probably be the same story. It'll latch onto that driftwood and try to grow vertically towards the light...much of its root system will be exposed, with only a minor portion of it actually anchoring it into the substrate. However, the anubias roots are very sturdy and grow fast enough that if it doesn't have anything to attach to, it can still grow vertically using its roots as pillars to push the newest leads higher and higher towards the light. Unfortunately, java fern roots don't seem to be sturdy enough to act as stilts, so I'd definitely consider mounting them on the driftwood.

Thanks. I will probably be getting a few more rocks or wood, or even potters for the ferns to attach to.

 

[ValorG]

Tie the anubias on with fishing line, dont use rubber bands. As with the java fern people always say never to bury the rhizome. I actually tied mine to small pieces of fractured clay pots, I bury the clay which still leaves the rhizome above the gravel and prevents it from floating.

 

[petluvr]

Tie the anubias on with fishing line, dont use rubber bands. As with the java fern people always say never to bury the rhizome. I actually tied mine to small pieces of fractured clay pots, I bury the clay which still leaves the rhizome above the gravel and prevents it from floating.

I am curious as to why you say don't use rubber bands? I have rubber bands holding on all types of anubias and have had no trouble from doing it.

 

[ValorG]

I am curious as to why you say don't use rubber bands? I have rubber bands holding on all types of anubias and have had no trouble from doing it.

Its ugly, and eventually disintegrates and I feel one thats too strong can dmg a rhizome. But mainly cuz its ugly.

 

[stephcps]

Use super glue to glue the rhizome of the ferns and anubias to whatever you want...rocks, wood, etc. Regular old super glue. Don't use too much...it'll show white. But will work great and in short time they will all take off!!

 

[andyjh]

Other option instead of fishing line would be to use regular cotton sewing thread. Nice part about this is that it should last just long enough so that the roots take hold, and then the thread will disintigrate harmlessly.

 

[spacefish34]

Agree with Andyjh.Both these ferns look more natural attached to wood or rock than stuck in the substrate.Green,100% cotton thread works well.Take care to not cut into the rhizome no matter what type of tie you use...

 

[wesleydnunder]

The brown filaments coming from the rhizome of the java fern are not roots, they're holdfasts. I'd tie the anubias down low on the wood and the java fern up higher on the wood. Eventually, I'd add some sagittaria and some cryptocoryne, planted in the sand.

Mark