Help please

[VioletThePurple]

I rinsed the dirt before putting it in and it sat in the tank for a day till I started aqua scaping. I put plastic over the substrate to hopefully not disturb but my fear came true and I created mud.

 

[Colin_T]

Why have you got dirt/ mud in there for?

The Java Fern must have its rhizome above the substrate or they rot.

 

[VioletThePurple]

Why have you got dirt/ mud in there for?

The Java Fern must have its rhizome above the substrate or they rot.

I know, the dirt was supposed to be a natural look. I know about the Java Fern, it was attached to a rock before all the dirt floated up. But that's not the point I really need help with this