java fern question

[jazzx101]

Hey all,

I currently have a 10 gal tank with 1 male betta, 2 zebra danios, and 1 dwarf gold spot pleco. I already have some plastic plants and a large piece of rock with several holes for the fish, but I was interested in adding a live plant or two. Preferably one that doesn't require any more special treatment than adequate lighting. As much as I've read, that seems to be the java fern. Also note, I've never kept live plants in any aquarium.

My question is, will any of my current fish eat the java ferns? And are java ferns highly susceptible to getting eaten, or are they one of the hardier plants? And also, how easy are they to keep?

I basically just need all this information from either someone or a good link to info about java ferns, as i haven't been able to find any semi-decent links to this plant.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Wyld-Fyre]

Hi jazzx101,

Here's something to help you along...

http/www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Plantdir/javafern.htm

Bet you've been looking under "Java" haven't you? Try its latin name instead, "Microsorium pteropus".

Very easy to keep and maintain. None of my fishes have touched/ate it. Perhaps yours won't either.

 

[tear-scar]

Java ferns are considered some of the toughest plants in the hobby, as they can grow in or out of water, and adapt to several different water conditions. It can root itself to nearly any hard surface or be planted in substrate as long as its rhizome is exposed. Don't burry the rhizome (the thick green root at the base of the leaves)!!

In addition, the leaves contain a mild toxin that tastes bad but doesn't harm fish. While most plant eating fish will take a few test nibbles, even the roughest plant eaters (like pacu) will learn to leave this 'lil plant alone.

What makes it really interesting is that there are several different leaf shapes. Thus, the java fern can be a great foreground plant, if attached to a flat rock in the foreground, or it can be used as a great back-ground plant as well if densely planted on taller rocks. I think the "lace" leaf variety makes especially interesting back-ground or mid-ground addition if bunched thickly.

Java fern also propogates itself well, as new plants can be taken from the old one both by dividing sections of the rhizome from a bigger plant, and by the fern's own method (sacrificing one of its leaves to "mother" a clump of new small plantlets).

It's a great plant.