First time gardener

[Bottom Dweller]

About a month ago I put two java ferns in with my African Cichlids to see if they left them alone. They pretty much have just taken a little taste. (couple of holes)

They seem to be turning a lttle black, rather than the nice green that they started out.

Perhaps I should try some fertilizer. Any suggestions?
liquid or sticks?
specific brands u have had luck with?

I may also upgrade my lighting. Any suggestions for a two tube hood?

Do I need to buy a CO2 test kit?

Any help would be appreciated........thanks

 

[Lateral Line]

Java Fern is pretty much a "just add water" plant. It tolerates a very wide range of pH from highly acidic to 8+ alkali, from low light up to high, and really does seem to grow with no help at all. Not a lot of fish will eat Java Fern.

That said, of course it is a plant, and some trace nutrients may well be lacking, so a quality fertiliser dose very sparingly is not going to hurt.

How have you "planted" it? You know, for example, that the rhizome, (the tough "stalk" the leaves grow from), should not be buried for example.

You do not need CO2 or a test kit.

 

[Bottom Dweller]

Yes I did plant it in the gravel. oops )
Am I supposed to just attach the base to a rock?
What do I do with the brown roots? - the fish like to tug at those.

 

[Lateral Line]

Yup, tie the rhizome to a rock or piece of bogwood. The rhizome, if buries, tends to rot.