Black Specs On Jaca Fern

[Lucylou]

I've notice some tiny clusters of black spec on my newly puchesed planted wood. It as 2 ferns on it and only one as the black specs, they look like tiny black fly, is this some kind of algae or is my fern infected with something. BTW my tank is currently in the process of a fishless cycle.

 

[Davver]

I've notice some tiny clusters of black spec on my newly puchesed planted wood. It as 2 ferns on it and only one as the black specs, they look like tiny black fly, is this some kind of algae or is my fern infected with something. BTW my tank is currently in the process of a fishless cycle.

I think the tiny black specks may be the start of tiny new ferns. They should in time turn into little plants which can, in time, be removed and attached to rocks/wood... However, I may be wrong... Only my 3rd post ever!!! However I have had Java fern for over 5 years..

Dave.

 

[Sammie7]

How many plants do you have? I don't believe it is recommended to do fishless cycling with ammonia in a tank with plants in it. The plants can get ammonia burns. Most people will do a "silent" cycle by heavily planting the tank and adding a small bioload of fish. The plants use up the ammonia produced by the fish and there is no characteristic "spike" in ammonia that is seen in normal cycling.

 

[George Farmer]

I've notice some tiny clusters of black spec on my newly puchesed planted wood. It as 2 ferns on it and only one as the black specs, they look like tiny black fly, is this some kind of algae or is my fern infected with something. BTW my tank is currently in the process of a fishless cycle.

I think the tiny black specks may be the start of tiny new ferns. They should in time turn into little plants which can, in time, be removed and attached to rocks/wood

and welcome to TFF!