Java Fern...

[peediepixie]

Hiya, I have a 220 litre tank with 4 fancy goldfish (1 Moor, 2x Fantails and an Oranda). I am planning on removing my silk plants as they are very tatty and seem to attract this black furry algae. I am going to try to correct this by putting real plants in the tank. I have put some Java fern in already attached to some bogwood and a teracotta pot. Today i I bought some 'Inca' rock to add more to. Can anyone give me some info on the Java Fern? I've been told the black spots which have appeared on the backs of the leaves are sporing 'bits' Is that correct?
As much info as possible would be much appreciate

 

[jimbooo]

you are correct. the new plantlets grow from the old leaves from the black spots. the spots are very uniform along the length of the leaf so are easy to set apart from any abnormal growth/algae spots. when the plantlets are about an inch or two long you can gently pull them off, tie to another bit of wood and they will grow in time into a new plant.

the black furry algae is probably what we know as BBA (black brush algae). the plants will improve things but only slightly. Java fern is ideal for a goldfish tank as it will grow in cold water and wont be eaten by the fish but as it's a slow grower it wont take many nutrients from the water. your problem will reoccur unless you find the cause.

what is your water change schedule? also do you have your tank parameters regarding Nitrate, NitrIte, Ammonia, PH, KH Phosphate etc..... i dont expect you have all that but any info you have will be usefull.

i'm sure you already know this but dont plant java fern in the substrate, always attach it to rock or wood.

what else do you want to know?

 

[peediepixie]

you are correct. the new plantlets grow from the old leaves from the black spots. the spots are very uniform along the length of the leaf so are easy to set apart from any abnormal growth/algae spots. when the plantlets are about an inch or two long you can gently pull them off, tie to another bit of wood and they will grow in time into a new plant.

the black furry algae is probably what we know as BBA (black brush algae). the plants will improve things but only slightly. Java fern is ideal for a goldfish tank as it will grow in cold water and wont be eaten by the fish but as it's a slow grower it wont take many nutrients from the water. your problem will reoccur unless you find the cause.

what is your water change schedule? also do you have your tank parameters regarding Nitrate, NitrIte, Ammonia, PH, KH Phosphate etc..... i dont expect you have all that but any info you have will be usefull.

i'm sure you already know this but dont plant java fern in the substrate, always attach it to rock or wood.

what else do you want to know?

I've just tested the water and ammonia is 0, nitrite is 0, nitrate is 10ppm, ph is 7.2. Any suggestions what else I can do to help with the algae The silk plants look awful. It also grows on the filter outlet, bogwood and the teracotta pots I have in there

 

[jimbooo]

is the tank close to a window? as in does it recieve direct sunlight.

your water seems fine, low nitrate for a non plant tank. hmmm i'll ask around and get back to you.

 

[peediepixie]

is the tank close to a window? as in does it recieve direct sunlight.

your water seems fine, low nitrate for a non plant tank. hmmm i'll ask around and get back to you.

Thanks Jimbooo, the tank is next to a window but I keep the curtain next to it pulled Our tap water nitrate is quite low here, i tested it a while ago and can't remember the exact reading but its always been low...

 

[jimbooo]

low nitrate is good. if it was over 60 then that would explain the algae. hmm sunlight will effect it but not if the curtains are drawn.

still stumped.

i'll keep thinking