Trimming Java Fern/plant Fertilisers

[SouthernCross]

Hi everyone

I've got a relatively new tank, probably been up and running nearly 2 months now. I've only got about 8 plants in my tank one of which is a Java Fern. Now initially I did the wrong thing for it, stuck it in the gravel, but have since realised my mistake and pulled it out and tied it to a rock. My question is -the big leaves it has had since I got it, are looking kinda old and have a fair bit of algae growing on them (brown algae, am told it is common in newish tanks) and basically don't look very nice. Since it's been moved to the rock, looks like I'm getting some tiny green fronds growing out that I'm guessing will eventually end up as big leaves. Can Icut all the old leaves off? Will this promote/deter growth of the nice new stuff? It seems to be pretty slow at the moment. I've got other plants growing out of control! Also, the mass of brown "roots" has gotten quite big - can you trim that back smaller as well so it's not so huge or will that hurt the plant?

Also, I haven't been using any plant fertiliser (LFS told me most people don't bother - though I'm learning most of the things they tell me is garbage! ) so I've been looking at ordering online some liquid fertiliser - the brands available to me are Aqua Master Plant Food, Nutrafin Plant Gro, Plant Gro NPK, Red Sea FloraGro Plus, and Wardley Sprout. Knowing virtually nothing about plant fertilisers, was just wondering if someone can recommend one of the above.

Also, any other relevant advice would be appreciated. Very new to plants obviously.

Thanks!

 

[Dave Spencer]

Java Ferns are slow growing plants which can make them more vulnerable to algae. The type you have on the leaves sounds like Brown Diatoms which a little group of Otos should make short work of. My fern grows new leaves from its rhizome, but you may find that what you think is algae on the leaf edges are actually new plantlets growing. I hid the mass of brown roots of my fern behind the piece of bogwood it is attached to.

Fertilisers can be expensive, so if you are on a budget try mixing your own using these, they should last you forever:

http/www.aquaessentials.co.uk/index.php?...p;cPath=145_146

Have a good read of the pinned articles, especially the EI article by Zig. It explains the use of dry fertilisers pretty well. Don`t be put off by how technical some of it can seem. You can keep plants very successfully in a low tech tank.

Cheers, Dave

 

[SouthernCross]

Thanks for your reply - but I was still hoping for some answers to my specific questions?

Can you trim the rhizome? Mine is huge - if it grows down anymore its going to block some caves I have under the rock which my catfish like.
What effect does trimming the leaves have? I'm unable to get any otos at this time. Also I know the brown algae is likely to be diatoms - hoping that settles on its own with time.
Most of the fertilisers I mentioned are only $5-10 (depending on the size of course) which I am happy to pay. Mixing my own is a bit above and beyond me at the moment! If you were to recommend one - which of the above would be best?

Thanks again

 

[Dave Spencer]

You can cut the rhizome in sections to get smaller plants.

Old, tatty leaves are trimmed as close to the rhizome as possible. In terms of covering the cave, I am guessing you mean the roots. Cutting roots is a difficult one as it is something I always try to avoid. If you do have to trim them, try not to overdo it.

Dave.