Thank you!! I’ve been keeping fish for 30 years. Not young and not a novice. Never could keep Java fern. Tried a couple times because it’s ‘easy’ and I’m busy. Turned brown, spotted and died all in about 2 months every time. Some plants love different aquariums in my home for very different reasons. I’m not the type to force a plant to like certain home, I’m the type to throw a bunch of plants, mostly cuttings, into a new aquarium or a newly renovated aquarium and just watch what likes the new home and what dies. I put more of what likes the home and discard or rehome the rest. In other words, I don’t care what is in my tank specifically, just that there is a bunch of it so I’m not constantly stressing over the water quality. I have dirted with sand caped jungle tanks. This Christmas a dear friend of mine gave me a huge wad of beautiful java fern as a gift. Well, it’s new years and I’m already watching its demise. It’s a gift from a friend so I can’t just blow it off. I’m on a mission to keep this plant healthy if it kills me. Thank you for your vid. Just ordered potassium supplements and hopefully I’m not to late. Most places I’ve researched just warned not to put the roots in sand or make sure there is lighting. 🙄 This vid actually explains the nutritional needs. Thank you.
I love java fern but it has never done well. I've looked at loads and loads of videos on java fern, and all they keep saying is how easy it is. I've asked many times why it keeps dying to many different people, and nobody has ever said anything about potassium . You are the most informative video I've found on the internet so thankyou. I actually do dose ferts and specifically potassium , so I should be on the right track now, but I actually know the reason for failure now due to you. Great video and thanks
If you’re buying them they are many smaller plants bundled and tied with black thread. That thread needs to be gently removed it restricts the roots and it won’t thrive. Now you have a few more plants once it’s unbundled.
The aquarium co-op easy green has just over 9% potash, plus everything else most plants need. I might be an option if you only want to use one fertilizer. Great video. I was having this problem and had no idea what it was from until I researched and then I came across your video to, thought I'd let you know about the easy green.
Same. I already dose Easy Green and the first few weeks the Java fern looked nice, but currently it looks ugly. I'm now trying to grow it emersed since it was going to die underwater anyway. I suppose I needed to add Flourish Potassium also? :/ what other alternatives are there?
Thanks!! This is my third time trying to grow java fern in my tank. I was so puzzled because it is listed as a super easy plant and I could not figure out what was missing because mine just kept wilting away... I bought the Leaf Zone and will try it for sure :).
Same problem and symptoms for my JFern and Anubias. I made a DIY Potassium supplement dose daily for almost a week, I think I'm seeing some improvement. Thanks for the tips.
Best advice I’ve heard so far, “Freed your plants and with what products. ”... I been viewing a few videos on how to grow your new aquarium plants- and ‘hardly ‘ no one advised the viewers you have to FEED your new plants....no wonder mine a slowly growing, and yet everyone says “Java firms are easy to grow’’... Thank you, now I know what I need to buy.
Yes, the Java fern is doing great and moved some to other tanks. I did a video that I will be releasing soon showing you and mentioning your comment. Keep and eye out for it.
I have black stuff on ferns but its like spores its like grain sized sand but its black and stuck on the leaves. When lightly brushed they came off. What are these?
Hi Katy! You are perfectly correct and that is what I now use as well. I am getting ready to do a video on it. Great timing. Keep and eye out for it. Thanks for watching and commenting!
any updates on java fern? Did the black dots disappear? you mentioned that you will keep it updated, but I didnt find any videos related to that topic. Also, there's another youtuber guru who owns an entire gallery of fish tank, he ONLY use api leaf zone for all his planted aquariums, they all turn out great looking.
I have two Anubias plants that are in the same tank that have the issues. But what has me confused is that that tank is extremely high in potassium. What could be going on?
I just have Java ferns and they look good, but I'm looking into getting some different style plants too. My question is, after getting the different plants, do I use both of these fertilizers together? Is that okay?
I use the aqueon aquarium plant food and it has soluble potash is 1%. And I add 5ml every week but then too my java ferns has black spots. Should I still buy the new fertilizer?
Sir I am also facing the same problem in my java fern. The anubias are growing well in the same tank, but the Java Fern has the same problem. What is the best fertilizer? What are the results of using this leaf zone?
Hello if Im gonna buy and use the Seachem Potassium one can I use it on the same day as my regular fertilizer? I usually add regular fertilizer once per week after a water change. Or would you recommend having some time in between? Thanks for the information so far really is a helpful video
My plants in my 5 gallon tank are melting. It’s 25c temp, fully cycled, one betta, black water. New set up but media used from a 5 year old fully established tank. I dose a standard fert once a week, could it be a potassium deficiency?
This is pretty common. Depending on the type of plants you get, they will melt no matter what you do. For example sword plants will usually melt all the way down to the stub and them come back. This is because a lot of the plants we buy are grown with the leaves out of the water. When they get into our tanks, they have to convert to their water form. But this is not applicable to all plants and could be something completely different. What kind of plants are melting on you?
I have struggled so much with my java ferns and mine have same symptoms but have progressed much more than yours. Is it possible to get an update now 4 month after this video. Have your method helped the java fern? Good video 👍🏻
Thanks. Yes it can be hard. Usually the issue is that the light is on too long. I keep my lights on for about 6 hours now. Java Fern don't like intense light and definitely not for long periods of time. Mine are doing fine. Hope this helps.
@@TropicalFishGuy i have played around with the light as well as the java fern in the back corner of the aquarium is doing much better so don't think it is just potassium deficiency.
Its not infront of me, but doesnt the leaf zone say you have to remove filter media? Do you have to do that? I have turtles and removing filter media isnt the best thing but my ferns are turning black
It helps but I have to use a lot of it. I found a better product called Thrive and will do a review on it soon. Here is the link if you want to check it out: amzn.to/2UthWpE
@@TropicalFishGuyactually drying the banana peels and soaking them in water for a few days and then dosing with the liquid part after filtering the peels out, can work for potassium deficiency as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
@@Happygoesalwayslucky5966nope I did that and read some forums on the specific topic, after doing some research did I find out that banana peels have minute amount of potassium, instead there is an element that has the same properties of potassium but it's not.. it just has the same properties and isn't gonna work out like you've said hope this helps
My java ferns look exactly like the ferns in your video. I’ve not given it any fertilizer or potassium. The java ferns keep growing and propagating (from 8 to 15 plants), crypto spiralis and banana plants thriving, Mexican oak leaf growing like crazy, some algae here and there, the fish are great and the mystery snails are multiplying. For me, no need to add anything and disrupt the ecosystem.
@@TropicalFishGuyHi, I am using Florish for months, on my Java fern and Anubaus plant. but my Java fern turn Brown and dead, Yet my Anubaus r fine. So I was thinking of buying API LEAF ZONE on my new Java Fern after watching your video. Will it be fine using both Forish and API LEAF ZONE together on my New Java plants or just API LEAF ZONE?? Thanks.
I don’t know why they say things like Java fern and subwassertang are easy I’ve tried 3 times and so far I’ve not been able to grow either they turn brown and start to disintegrate leaving behind just the midrib of the frond. They always get black spots and new growth will die and it turns to a bit mess. And the subwassertang is just a failure to do anything except get devoured by my Inca snail even tho I’m feeding his his own food which he happily eats he
Yes, I see where you are coming from. I have had some problems with Java fern and it is a bit picky. I've never tried subwassertang. Thanks for your insight and sharing your experiences.
Thanks for the advice. I am trying to figure out my gimbal to make future videos more steady. I didn't realize my hands are so shaky. I must be getting old or something. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Did you put the root tab deep under the gravel? I've had minor issues with root tabs that come in gel capsules popping back out but not any other types. And by problems, I mean a nitrate increase and algae.
Hahaa your opening dialogue sounded a lot like my conversation with myself, but mine had a lot of strategic F bombs interlaced within 😂😂😂. These live plants are going to be what sends me into the nut factory…😂 Mine look JUST like yours in the beginning… but it’s JUST the Java fern
I'm coming to the conclusion that liquid fertilizers are a ripoff. Why do they need to be liquid when you can get powders for a similar price for the weight? Apparently with the liquids, you're mostly just paying for water. Is it so hard to mix your own? In the case of potassium, the aquarium stuff is all just potassium chloride or sulfate, or a combination. I just got an 8 oz. bottle of potassium chloride from a health food place for 7 bucks. Seriously people, stop letting yourselves get ripped off and take a little risk. "To provide potassium, you can use 'salt substitute', which is potassium chloride (KCI). If you add about 1/8 tsp to every 10 gal of tank water, you should get 10 ppm K, which is plenty" - Diana L. Walstad. 2012. Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. p.87. Actually, there are a lot of things sold as a salt substitute, so you're better off just running an internet search for 'potassium chloride powder'.
Thank you!!
I’ve been keeping fish for 30 years. Not young and not a novice. Never could keep Java fern. Tried a couple times because it’s ‘easy’ and I’m busy. Turned brown, spotted and died all in about 2 months every time. Some plants love different aquariums in my home for very different reasons. I’m not the type to force a plant to like certain home, I’m the type to throw a bunch of plants, mostly cuttings, into a new aquarium or a newly renovated aquarium and just watch what likes the new home and what dies. I put more of what likes the home and discard or rehome the rest. In other words, I don’t care what is in my tank specifically, just that there is a bunch of it so I’m not constantly stressing over the water quality. I have dirted with sand caped jungle tanks.
This Christmas a dear friend of mine gave me a huge wad of beautiful java fern as a gift. Well, it’s new years and I’m already watching its demise. It’s a gift from a friend so I can’t just blow it off. I’m on a mission to keep this plant healthy if it kills me.
Thank you for your vid. Just ordered potassium supplements and hopefully I’m not to late.
Most places I’ve researched just warned not to put the roots in sand or make sure there is lighting. 🙄
This vid actually explains the nutritional needs. Thank you.
Thanks for watching and sharing!
At last I now know why my java ferns are turning black. Cheers!
My husband just gifted me Java fern for my 15 gallon fish tank and i'm so excited to learn about this plant and see it thrive!!!
I love java fern but it has never done well. I've looked at loads and loads of videos on java fern, and all they keep saying is how easy it is. I've asked many times why it keeps dying to many different people, and nobody has ever said anything about potassium . You are the most informative video I've found on the internet so thankyou. I actually do dose ferts and specifically potassium , so I should be on the right track now, but I actually know the reason for failure now due to you. Great video and thanks
If you’re buying them they are many smaller plants bundled and tied with black thread. That thread needs to be gently removed it restricts the roots and it won’t thrive. Now you have a few more plants once it’s unbundled.
Thank you for the tips…. I have java ferns, and i did not check the leaves i was on a hurry.. and yes, it has spots on it. now i know what to do.
The aquarium co-op easy green has just over 9% potash, plus everything else most plants need. I might be an option if you only want to use one fertilizer. Great video. I was having this problem and had no idea what it was from until I researched and then I came across your video to, thought I'd let you know about the easy green.
I use Easy Green and I'm having this issue :(
same for me. I use easy green, but my java ferns are covered with black dots. All my other plants look normal.@@MsDF936
@@MsDF936 same. Have you found any solution?
Same. I already dose Easy Green and the first few weeks the Java fern looked nice, but currently it looks ugly. I'm now trying to grow it emersed since it was going to die underwater anyway. I suppose I needed to add Flourish Potassium also? :/ what other alternatives are there?
@@Carolina-ql1knWhat did you end up doing
This is exactly what I needed- thanks!
Glad it helped! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Any updates on the Java fern rehab project?? Id be curious to know how it's going.
Thanks!! This is my third time trying to grow java fern in my tank. I was so puzzled because it is listed as a super easy plant and I could not figure out what was missing because mine just kept wilting away... I bought the Leaf Zone and will try it for sure :).
Something to be aware of is not to bury the stem(rhizomes). Otherwise let us know how the fertilizer works out.
Did the Leaf Zone work for you?
I was wondering why i was losing my Java fern and why my anubias was looking poorly, thanks
I got the aqueon aquarium plant food as it had more potassium than the other one and dosing instructions were easy for me to understand too.
I'm glad I subscribed to your channel 😊
I’m glad too. Thanks!
@@TropicalFishGuy you're welcome 😊
Good info 👍 thanks 😊
This is so helpful, thank you!
Same problem and symptoms for my JFern and Anubias. I made a DIY Potassium supplement dose daily for almost a week, I think I'm seeing some improvement. Thanks for the tips.
Mind sharing which potash base you used?
Please share diy potassium supplement ❤
@@liquid619I found this ua-cam.com/video/zlKWmJUn2Ec/v-deo.htmlsi=RoUWGmBFrpWRWCTs
Fantastic explanation. Thank you for the advice. I just started following your steps as have same problems.
Thanks for the video.
Where is the after video you said you would post?
Thank you so much my camboba was thriving but my fern was dying I'm gonna try use the API leaf zone API is a great brand
Late reply but. API leaf zone is just full with Pottasium and Iron. Not an all in one solution. I'd recommend Aquarium Co-op Easy green.
Thanks for the much needed information 👍
Always appreciate the information see you next video
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Best advice I’ve heard so far, “Freed your plants and with what products. ”... I been viewing a few videos on how to grow your new aquarium plants- and ‘hardly ‘ no one advised the viewers you have to FEED your new plants....no wonder mine a slowly growing, and yet everyone says “Java firms are easy to grow’’...
Thank you, now I know what I need to buy.
Thanks so much for the awesome comment! It's comments like these that help keep my going. Much appreciated!
Thank you for this video!
Do you dose the tank with flourish and leaf zone different, or can you dose with both the same day and it doesn't matter
I don’t think it matters but I dose in different days.
Any update on the java fern pls as getting some on Wood today
Yes, the Java fern is doing great and moved some to other tanks. I did a video that I will be releasing soon showing you and mentioning your comment. Keep and eye out for it.
Is it safe for fish if you add those specially discus. Thanks
Thank you so much. I was wondering why Amy Anubis new leaves had holes.
thanks for the tips! was helpful
My pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I have black stuff on ferns but its like spores its like grain sized sand but its black and stuck on the leaves. When lightly brushed they came off. What are these?
Those are the seeds for me leaves 🍃
Ah. Answers my question. Just ordered the API.
Hi. What was the plant behind the first Java Fern you showed in the rear corner? I have one & was told it's a new type of Java Fern?
Tropical Plant Guy. Lol. I was planting my java fern too deep. I learned this from you. I raised them and they are doing great. Thank you.
That's great to hear! I'm glad I could be helpful!
If i have river rocks can i put them in between the rocks
Sure you can. I think it would work out great.
Thank you. Nicely explained. Subscribed! You know!
SeaChem has a potassium supplement. Works well in my tank
Good flow, temp 23c, you do need Co2 have you read the Tom Barr report? Spotting is due to poor Co2 and circulation.
Do these fertilizers work with a carbon filter?
Will work fine! Thanks for watching and commenting!
I’m using ThriveS it has 5.5% of Potash I’m new and hope this is good enough?
Hi Katy! You are perfectly correct and that is what I now use as well. I am getting ready to do a video on it. Great timing. Keep and eye out for it.
Thanks for watching and commenting!
Thank you for addressing this. I will try this.
Awsome video man :)
Awesome video
I think it would be whole lot better if implementation also shown
any updates on java fern? Did the black dots disappear? you mentioned that you will keep it updated, but I didnt find any videos related to that topic.
Also, there's another youtuber guru who owns an entire gallery of fish tank, he ONLY use api leaf zone for all his planted aquariums, they all turn out great looking.
I have two Anubias plants that are in the same tank that have the issues. But what has me confused is that that tank is extremely high in potassium. What could be going on?
Thanks. And what distress signals for too little or too much light?
leaves turning pale and falling off. Algae growth with too much light.
Is this stuff good for all plants ? Can it harm any certain ones?
I use an all in one and seachem flourish advanced. Mine are thriving:)
Red Tailed Sharks keep black spot algae off plants like Anubias and Java Fern.
Unfortunately, they don't go well with all fish.
I just have Java ferns and they look good, but I'm looking into getting some different style plants too. My question is, after getting the different plants, do I use both of these fertilizers together? Is that okay?
Yes you can!
@@TropicalFishGuy Cool. Thank you.
I use the aqueon aquarium plant food and it has soluble potash is 1%. And I add 5ml every week but then too my java ferns has black spots. Should I still buy the new fertilizer?
Will Leaf Zone help prevent yellowing of anubias and java ferns too? Thanks
It helps me a little but I try something stronger like this: amzn.to/39oq7dF
@@TropicalFishGuy Thank you
Sir I am also facing the same problem in my java fern. The anubias are growing well in the same tank, but the Java Fern has the same problem. What is the best fertilizer? What are the results of using this leaf zone?
Hello if Im gonna buy and use the Seachem Potassium one can I use it on the same day as my regular fertilizer? I usually add regular fertilizer once per week after a water change. Or would you recommend having some time in between? Thanks for the information so far really is a helpful video
All those signs can be caused due to plants trying to adapt themselves from emersed to submersed condition?
for sure. it's very likely as well. good point. thanks for sharing.
My java fern plant turning dark bots in leaf... pottasium is the remedy for this disease?
My plants in my 5 gallon tank are melting. It’s 25c temp, fully cycled, one betta, black water. New set up but media used from a 5 year old fully established tank. I dose a standard fert once a week, could it be a potassium deficiency?
do you use co2?
This is pretty common.
Depending on the type of plants you get, they will melt no matter what you do. For example sword plants will usually melt all the way down to the stub and them come back. This is because a lot of the plants we buy are grown with the leaves out of the water. When they get into our tanks, they have to convert to their water form. But this is not applicable to all plants and could be something completely different. What kind of plants are melting on you?
Tropical Fish Guy mostly frog bit
@@Iamaguienapig Is the water suffice still, FB doesn't like to much agitation.
I take it that it's assumed it does not affect the fish? The higher potash dosage?
I have struggled so much with my java ferns and mine have same symptoms but have progressed much more than yours. Is it possible to get an update now 4 month after this video. Have your method helped the java fern? Good video 👍🏻
Thanks. Yes it can be hard. Usually the issue is that the light is on too long. I keep my lights on for about 6 hours now. Java Fern don't like intense light and definitely not for long periods of time. Mine are doing fine. Hope this helps.
@@TropicalFishGuy i have played around with the light as well as the java fern in the back corner of the aquarium is doing much better so don't think it is just potassium deficiency.
@@TropicalFishGuyso, maybe not good for a turtle tank where the light needs to be on for 12 hours a day and its bright?
Yes they will work just fine.
Its not infront of me, but doesnt the leaf zone say you have to remove filter media? Do you have to do that? I have turtles and removing filter media isnt the best thing but my ferns are turning black
Please update about the java fern after API leafzone dosing. Has the problem been solved?
It helps but I have to use a lot of it. I found a better product called Thrive and will do a review on it soon. Here is the link if you want to check it out:
amzn.to/2UthWpE
Needs potassium, imma add banana
That's hilarious!
@@TropicalFishGuyactually drying the banana peels and soaking them in water for a few days and then dosing with the liquid part after filtering the peels out, can work for potassium deficiency as well as calcium, magnesium and phosphorus.
@@Happygoesalwayslucky5966nope I did that and read some forums on the specific topic, after doing some research did I find out that banana peels have minute amount of potassium, instead there is an element that has the same properties of potassium but it's not.. it just has the same properties and isn't gonna work out like you've said hope this helps
My java ferns look exactly like the ferns in your video. I’ve not given it any fertilizer or potassium. The java ferns keep growing and propagating (from 8 to 15 plants), crypto spiralis and banana plants thriving, Mexican oak leaf growing like crazy, some algae here and there, the fish are great and the mystery snails are multiplying. For me, no need to add anything and disrupt the ecosystem.
You need fertilizer, never plant it below substrate. Seachem Flourish Freshwater Plant Supplement is what I'm using. works great in my tank.
Great video
Glad you enjoyed it
Yes I got that ❤️ Flourish
Thanks for watching and commenting!
@@TropicalFishGuyHi, I am using Florish for months, on my Java fern and Anubaus plant. but my Java fern turn Brown and dead, Yet my Anubaus r fine. So I was thinking of buying API LEAF ZONE on my new Java Fern after watching your video. Will it be fine using both Forish and API LEAF ZONE together on my New Java plants or just API LEAF ZONE?? Thanks.
I don’t know why they say things like Java fern and subwassertang are easy I’ve tried 3 times and so far I’ve not been able to grow either they turn brown and start to disintegrate leaving behind just the midrib of the frond. They always get black spots and new growth will die and it turns to a bit mess. And the subwassertang is just a failure to do anything except get devoured by my Inca snail even tho I’m feeding his his own food which he happily eats he
Yes, I see where you are coming from. I have had some problems with Java fern and it is a bit picky. I've never tried subwassertang. Thanks for your insight and sharing your experiences.
Well presented video.... hope you can show us the progress.. for once someone talks in common language...
Thanks Raghu! Sure I will show the tanks with the Java fern again. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Mine only got the black dots after I used that Flourish Fertilizer.
I got a bunch of Java ferns before with rhizomes too for almost $6 Is that how it's priced there in your place?
Depends on how big the Java fern bunch is. It ranges from $5 - $10 depending on the size and the store here in Dallas.
I suggest you go to small business, I get mines really cheap compared to petco/petco
Good video, but you need a steady camera. But very informative thanks.
Thanks for the advice. I am trying to figure out my gimbal to make future videos more steady. I didn't realize my hands are so shaky. I must be getting old or something. Thanks for watching and commenting!
Cream of tartar is potassium. I might put in a pinch
Do you have an update?
It's best to get a all in one fertilizer
Cool info
When you add the fertilizer and potassium do you take the fish out of the tank?
Leave the fish in the tank.
I used the API root tabs, I put 2 in a 10 gallon tank and it kill my Betta. Is the liquid going to be safe for my new Betta?
Did you put the root tab deep under the gravel? I've had minor issues with root tabs that come in gel capsules popping back out but not any other types. And by problems, I mean a nitrate increase and algae.
@@angelal5485 yes I did..it was horrible,the gravel and water turned orange.. I'll never use it again
Can I put cooked spinach in there?
Sure. Some fish and shrimp like to eat spinach.
Snails and Plecos love it.
the biggest mistake i did when i got a java fern was plant it in substrate!
Can I just throw a banana peel in there? Potassium🙌🙂.. no?!
no it would rot lmao
Hahaa your opening dialogue sounded a lot like my conversation with myself, but mine had a lot of strategic F bombs interlaced within 😂😂😂.
These live plants are going to be what sends me into the nut factory…😂
Mine look JUST like yours in the beginning… but it’s JUST the Java fern
My Java look *worse* ..I hope I'm not too late.
I'm coming to the conclusion that liquid fertilizers are a ripoff. Why do they need to be liquid when you can get powders for a similar price for the weight? Apparently with the liquids, you're mostly just paying for water. Is it so hard to mix your own? In the case of potassium, the aquarium stuff is all just potassium chloride or sulfate, or a combination. I just got an 8 oz. bottle of potassium chloride from a health food place for 7 bucks. Seriously people, stop letting yourselves get ripped off and take a little risk.
"To provide potassium, you can use 'salt substitute', which is potassium chloride (KCI). If you add about 1/8 tsp to every 10 gal of tank water, you should get 10 ppm K, which is plenty" - Diana L. Walstad. 2012. Ecology of the Planted Aquarium. p.87.
Actually, there are a lot of things sold as a salt substitute, so you're better off just running an internet search for 'potassium chloride powder'.
i can't keep a java fern to save my life :/
In that example, maybe you took too much vitamin A, or your liver is shot for whatever reason.
I’ve killed Java ferns….
Seachem flourish on its own is rubbish.
may I know why?
Thanks for this video!!!