Need some Java Fern starts? Consider supporting the channel by purchasing my farm grown plants. I also sell ferts if you want some. nwaquahobby.com Thanks for watching! 🌱
He is absolutely right about everything he said. I planted my tank with new substrate for planting the Java fern was the biggest plant and it became huge a green and beautiful. As soon as the moss and Montecarlo carpet took off the Java fern starved out even when I added fertilizer it was almost like to late for it to make a come back and the Monte Carlo and mosses where exploding, slower growing plant struggle against faster growing specially if you don’t ample amount of frets and CO2 pairing plants properly just because you want it all doesn’t mean you should
I've struggled for years with this plant. I am getting some better results now by giving them more light than before and ferts. Still not as great as you see lots of people effortlessly grow it. I think it your water is too hard and too high in ph, that doesn't help too.I've also heard potassium is a definite requirement which I dose alongside an all in one fertiliser, but to say it's an easy plant...........i have not found.
Say your java fern is getting more and bigger brown spots by the week... Is it feasible to cut all the leaves off and down to the stem in hopes it will start from almost zero and leaf again?
I use easy green liquid feet for my black forest java fern. It still has brown spots but those are just diatoms that my nerite snails haven't eaten yet. I've got 2 microsorum pteropus coming on Monday which I'm also gluing to some slate.
I've just recently started my 10 gal tank a couple weeks ago. I put the last of my new plants in this past week. Unfortunately everything is kind of starting to get brown spots, and while installing my red tiger lotus, it came detached from the bulb. I read online that it would survive if I planted the roots in the substrate, not too deep. But, so far they've pretty much completely turned brown and are melting away. As for my Java fern, I have them planted in the substrate, but its really loose substrate, so the roots should be able to move freely, but they also have brown spots. I'm in the middle of my fishless cycle, so there is tons of nutrients in there. I dose twice a week with easy green all in one, (20 drops each dose). I've also put about 6 root tabs into the substrate, but it's been a couple weeks since I did the root tabs. I've added new substrate on top of the old substrate since then, so I'm not sure how much the root tabs are doing now. Any ideas?
Nice topic! I started my tank with Java and some Crypts. I spend a good amount of my budge on it, so there where plenty. I used a all-in-one fertilizer, and indeed i still get brown leaves. Started to add Potassium, as i saw it wasn't part of the all-in-one, didn't help much. Using test strips to test, but maybe i need to get myself a separate nitrate test kit for more precision/data?
@@AquariumPlantLab Just used a test strip: NO2 and NO3 are giving me a colour which isn't even on the chart! But, I also just noticed the expiring date of the test strips, which is way overdue, like years... Will get myself a new test kit to start with.
I have and do struggel with java fern, however java fern and Anubis is the only plants that dont melt away within 1 month! we have extremely hard water i dont know if that contributes. I do use a ferteliser and i do small water changes only so the tanins from driftwood and leaves can help soften the water a little for the sake of the fish
I’m currently struggling a little with java fern sp petite. I’ve got a 'Father Fish' kind of setup with an inert substrate. Basically a regular betta tank with a biodiverse food web, microorganisms, decaying leaves, semi fine deep gravel, and water column feeding plants only (floaters, different anubias sp, java moss, and java fern petite). No Ferts, no Co2, no water conditioning. Just an air pump, a heater, and light. Everything in there is doing great, except for the java fern. Any thoughts? Help is much appreciated!
I've had java fern for six months. The leaves have slowly turned mostly brown/black and there's been no new growth. After adding fertiliser how long before an improvement is seen? I bought some fertiliser today but it is only trace elements. However, I've also added more fish so nitrates may well increase...
You should be starting to see an improvement by now for the new growth. The old damaged leaves will not recover though. Plants can’t restore dead leaf parts, they will just produce healthy new growth.
@@AquariumPlantLab Thank you. The java fern leaves are still black/brown in places but the yellow parts seem to be greening up. No new growth as yet but it is pretty cool at 18⁰C. Other plants are growing noticeably in the last week. Gave all a second dose of trace element fertiliser today...
Some of my java fern have brown spots. The longest leaf has a plantlet. It also has a little leave growing through the gravel. My sword outer leaves have some light browning and transparency. They're both in gravel. Also have one beta in the same tank. What should I do in order to help my aquarium. Root tabs maybe?? Idk. Thanks
I am struggling with my Ferns. They are turning brown, and i'm unsure why as I use root tabs, Liquid fert, and a daily dose of Interpret Plant food, and Co2 Cannisters. I have turned the lighting period down to max 8 hours a day, but yet i still struggle to get them to look lushous green. As you said though it oculd be my other plants taking up the nutrients.. so then I add more.. but then the algae takes over so I have to do a water change. Can't win lol.
I have a Top fin 10 gallon and I’m using the API LEAF ZONE and the API root tabs. For the API Leaf Zone it says to put 5 ml per 10 gallon and 6 tablets for the API root tabs. I have Java ferns, Water Wisteria, and guppy grass and they all seem to be dying.
@@WadeTheLion I’ll bet you’re deficient in nitrogen and/or phosphorus. If I recall correctly leaf zone only has potassium (0-0-3). I would start by testing your water for nitrate. If it reads 0 which is probably does then that’s a good indication your plants are lacking in one or more macro nutrients (in this case likely N and P). An all in one fertilizer like the one I offer on my site supplements all of the main nutrients required by plants. Other common issues could be your light, or other base water parameters.
I think you just made me figure out why my ferns are growing but don’t look great. The tanks are also full of crypts that are spreading all over and lots of rotala and floaters. I’m guessing the rotala and especially the floaters are sucking up all the nutrients really quick before the fern gets a chance to utilize them.
I'm also interested in this! I'm gonna excitement with leopard gecko waste, but I gotta figure out a potassium boost if my meal worms werent gut loaded enough.
I know it’s a bit late now, but I’m currently experimenting with fermenting plant matter for a diy liquid fertilizer. I want something that’s especially safe for daphnia, cyclops, and such. I’m using comfrey and stinging nettle because they’re great sources of potassium. Reeds, maple, oak, beech, alder are good extras too. Brown dry leaves, crushing them up, ~1:5 with water and fermenting with something called effective microorganisms. If you’re interested, I’ll keep you posted!
I have an axolotl, and they’re sensitive to nitrate and i Have to keep it low, which is why I’m scared to use fertilizers. I don’t know what to do about that because I’m worried about my fish.
@@AquariumPlantLab it’s funny you mentioned Anubias cos that’s exactly what I’m trying In a bare bottom .. my javas are melting though .. I’m using a liquid fert but no co2 ..will it work ?
I'm about 9 months into my aquarium endeavor. When I started, I planted 3 or 4 java fern. They grew and reproduced like crazy. I just pop the new plants off and stick 'em in the substrate. Now I have java fern coming out my wazoo in a 10, 20 and a 30 gallon tank. All from the first 3 or 4 plants I started with. I know nothing, but I think using active substrate really helps a lot. You almost can't not grow the stuff.
I guess this is a stupid question. When you add fertilizer are you in fact adding Nitrate? That’s why I do water changes , to LOWER nitrate. Couldn’t you just do fewer water changes?
You are adding nitrate (nitrogen) by dosing, yes. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a whole host of other nutrients are needed by plants in proper ratios and concentrations. Stopping water changes will only increase a few of those components. What you want to do is occasional water changes and regular dosing of an all in one fert. This will ensure that you have the proper ratios of nutrients in the water column. Not just an over abundance of a few (which will lead to algae). By dosing and monitoring your water, you can use nitrate as an indicator that you have sufficient quantities of all ferts. Shoot for 30 ppm or so.
I'm buying java fern for 5 times, may be..all are melting after a few months then try again but no success..thanks for the video..I gonna try it again...
I believe most new hobbiests would have more success with Java fern if they knew how to plant it correctly. Few UA-cam channels advise on how to properly prepare Java fern for 'planting', critical to success. It was not mentioned here either.
Potassium. Java fern needs lots and lots of potassium. Dose it! I can guarantee anyone that your JF will not only recover any blackened areas on it's leaves but if kept in a high-tech aquarium? It will pearl intensely when given a lot of potassium. Same goes for emersed cultivation; I make it a point to mist liquid potassium fertilizers seperately, alongside my all-in-one fert.
Hi ff said not to put fertilizer in the tank because it's toxic in the end but my jv is dying going brown I have aquatic fertilizer potassium do I put it in?
Also that is why a Java fern will do in a way slow but better in a low tech environment, you will not get a bunch of leaf but the competition that usually goes crazy in a high tech is not doing good so you have a more event environment as soon as you switch up and go high tech all of the sudden all those other plants will take up all those nutrients and you there wondering hey the Java fern was doing good before why did it start dying if everything is started doing better
Algae is likely choking them out now. Test your water, 10-30 ppm nitrate is a good target depending on fish tolerance. If you’re over that dial back your dosing and do a water change to get to the 10-30 ppm threshold. Dose only what you need to maintain that with periodic water changes. Dial your photoperiod and or intensity down to 6-7 hours until algae is under control. Manual control may be necessary until a balance is achieved. Once balanced you should be able to increase your photoperiod and intensity up to 8-10 hours a day. Usually you won’t want to go more than that or algae will likely come back. Good luck!
Need some Java Fern starts? Consider supporting the channel by purchasing my farm grown plants. I also sell ferts if you want some. nwaquahobby.com
Thanks for watching! 🌱
What type of light are you using for the emersed plants?
Are you interested in selling Rams horn snails?
He is absolutely right about everything he said. I planted my tank with new substrate for planting the Java fern was the biggest plant and it became huge a green and beautiful. As soon as the moss and Montecarlo carpet took off the Java fern starved out even when I added fertilizer it was almost like to late for it to make a come back and the Monte Carlo and mosses where exploding, slower growing plant struggle against faster growing specially if you don’t ample amount of frets and CO2 pairing plants properly just because you want it all doesn’t mean you should
Well that sums up my issues plant is beginning to brown 2 weeks in I need a fertilizer I definitely thought the food and fish waste would do it
Found your informative channel today and subscribed today 😀
I just received my plant Anubias and Java Fern order. The plants look good! I will post on your website too
Awesome! I am glad you are happy with your plants :) thanks for considering writing a review! They really do help 🌱
Cool video. This is actually my first time getting java ferns 3 years into the hobby despite it being one of the beginner plants.
I've struggled for years with this plant. I am getting some better results now by giving them more light than before and ferts. Still not as great as you see lots of people effortlessly grow it. I think it your water is too hard and too high in ph, that doesn't help too.I've also heard potassium is a definite requirement which I dose alongside an all in one fertiliser, but to say it's an easy plant...........i have not found.
They definitely appreciate some light 💡
Same, ferts are a must.
Came for the advice, stayed for that lovely tank 😊
Say your java fern is getting more and bigger brown spots by the week... Is it feasible to cut all the leaves off and down to the stem in hopes it will start from almost zero and leaf again?
I use easy green liquid feet for my black forest java fern. It still has brown spots but those are just diatoms that my nerite snails haven't eaten yet. I've got 2 microsorum pteropus coming on Monday which I'm also gluing to some slate.
I've just recently started my 10 gal tank a couple weeks ago. I put the last of my new plants in this past week. Unfortunately everything is kind of starting to get brown spots, and while installing my red tiger lotus, it came detached from the bulb. I read online that it would survive if I planted the roots in the substrate, not too deep. But, so far they've pretty much completely turned brown and are melting away.
As for my Java fern, I have them planted in the substrate, but its really loose substrate, so the roots should be able to move freely, but they also have brown spots. I'm in the middle of my fishless cycle, so there is tons of nutrients in there. I dose twice a week with easy green all in one, (20 drops each dose). I've also put about 6 root tabs into the substrate, but it's been a couple weeks since I did the root tabs. I've added new substrate on top of the old substrate since then, so I'm not sure how much the root tabs are doing now.
Any ideas?
Nice topic! I started my tank with Java and some Crypts. I spend a good amount of my budge on it, so there where plenty. I used a all-in-one fertilizer, and indeed i still get brown leaves. Started to add Potassium, as i saw it wasn't part of the all-in-one, didn't help much. Using test strips to test, but maybe i need to get myself a separate nitrate test kit for more precision/data?
I use strips too. Are you registering any color on the nitrate pad?
@@AquariumPlantLab Just used a test strip: NO2 and NO3 are giving me a colour which isn't even on the chart! But, I also just noticed the expiring date of the test strips, which is way overdue, like years... Will get myself a new test kit to start with.
I have and do struggel with java fern, however java fern and Anubis is the only plants that dont melt away within 1 month! we have extremely hard water i dont know if that contributes. I do use a ferteliser and i do small water changes only so the tanins from driftwood and leaves can help soften the water a little for the sake of the fish
I’m currently struggling a little with java fern sp petite. I’ve got a 'Father Fish' kind of setup with an inert substrate. Basically a regular betta tank with a biodiverse food web, microorganisms, decaying leaves, semi fine deep gravel, and water column feeding plants only (floaters, different anubias sp, java moss, and java fern petite). No Ferts, no Co2, no water conditioning. Just an air pump, a heater, and light. Everything in there is doing great, except for the java fern. Any thoughts? Help is much appreciated!
I've had java fern for six months. The leaves have slowly turned mostly brown/black and there's been no new growth. After adding fertiliser how long before an improvement is seen? I bought some fertiliser today but it is only trace elements. However, I've also added more fish so nitrates may well increase...
You should be starting to see an improvement by now for the new growth. The old damaged leaves will not recover though. Plants can’t restore dead leaf parts, they will just produce healthy new growth.
@@AquariumPlantLab Thank you. The java fern leaves are still black/brown in places but the yellow parts seem to be greening up. No new growth as yet but it is pretty cool at 18⁰C. Other plants are growing noticeably in the last week. Gave all a second dose of trace element fertiliser today...
Good info 👍 thanks 😊
I have always had Java fern. in some tanks it does great and in others.. not so much. I usually move them around.
Do they prefer high water , moderate flow or low
Some of my java fern have brown spots. The longest leaf has a plantlet. It also has a little leave growing through the gravel. My sword outer leaves have some light browning and transparency. They're both in gravel. Also have one beta in the same tank. What should I do in order to help my aquarium. Root tabs maybe?? Idk. Thanks
I am struggling with my Ferns. They are turning brown, and i'm unsure why as I use root tabs, Liquid fert, and a daily dose of Interpret Plant food, and Co2 Cannisters. I have turned the lighting period down to max 8 hours a day, but yet i still struggle to get them to look lushous green. As you said though it oculd be my other plants taking up the nutrients.. so then I add more.. but then the algae takes over so I have to do a water change. Can't win lol.
I have a Top fin 10 gallon and I’m using the API LEAF ZONE and the API root tabs. For the API Leaf Zone it says to put 5 ml per 10 gallon and 6 tablets for the API root tabs. I have Java ferns, Water Wisteria, and guppy grass and they all seem to be dying.
@@WadeTheLion I’ll bet you’re deficient in nitrogen and/or phosphorus. If I recall correctly leaf zone only has potassium (0-0-3). I would start by testing your water for nitrate. If it reads 0 which is probably does then that’s a good indication your plants are lacking in one or more macro nutrients (in this case likely N and P). An all in one fertilizer like the one I offer on my site supplements all of the main nutrients required by plants. Other common issues could be your light, or other base water parameters.
@@AquariumPlantLab My plants look like there are in bad condition. How can I tell if they are able to be revived?
How often should you fertilise Java fern
I think you just made me figure out why my ferns are growing but don’t look great. The tanks are also full of crypts that are spreading all over and lots of rotala and floaters. I’m guessing the rotala and especially the floaters are sucking up all the nutrients really quick before the fern gets a chance to utilize them.
Do rotalas get everything from water column? They have strong roots.
I'm gonna try an all in one. Thank you for the tip.
I was actually googling how to stop java fern touching the lights and burning / turning brown.
Can you suggest some homemade fertilizer for such plants? (Anubias, Java fern, moss)
I'm also interested in this! I'm gonna excitement with leopard gecko waste, but I gotta figure out a potassium boost if my meal worms werent gut loaded enough.
I know it’s a bit late now, but I’m currently experimenting with fermenting plant matter for a diy liquid fertilizer. I want something that’s especially safe for daphnia, cyclops, and such. I’m using comfrey and stinging nettle because they’re great sources of potassium. Reeds, maple, oak, beech, alder are good extras too. Brown dry leaves, crushing them up, ~1:5 with water and fermenting with something called effective microorganisms. If you’re interested, I’ll keep you posted!
I heard that aquarium plant fertilizer is hard on snails. Any remedy to that? just don't keep them both in the same tank?
Is api leaf zone good?
Yes
Someone just gave me a butload for my 75 and now I need to make sure I can keep it nice
What is the cranberry/peanut looking substrate in your emersed java fern growout system ? thanks
Clay pebbles for grow contains iron they are call Hydroton
I have an axolotl, and they’re sensitive to nitrate and i Have to keep it low, which is why I’m scared to use fertilizers. I don’t know what to do about that because I’m worried about my fish.
Can I grow java fern in a bare bottom tank ?
Absolutely! Java Fern, Anubias, and any other rhizome plant would work in a bare bottom tank 👍
@@AquariumPlantLab it’s funny you mentioned Anubias cos that’s exactly what I’m trying In a bare bottom .. my javas are melting though .. I’m using a liquid fert but no co2 ..will it work ?
@@TarunAryaa it should. Just test that water and make sure to maintain some nitrate. 👍
@@TarunAryaa do you run a heater , i added an heater for discus and most of the java fern just melted .
Are those cardinal neons?
Yup!
@@AquariumPlantLab They are really pretty.
Sorry misread your first comment, they are “Cardinal Tetras”. Thanks! One of my favorites!
I'm about 9 months into my aquarium endeavor. When I started, I planted 3 or 4 java fern. They grew and reproduced like crazy. I just pop the new plants off and stick 'em in the substrate. Now I have java fern coming out my wazoo in a 10, 20 and a 30 gallon tank. All from the first 3 or 4 plants I started with. I know nothing, but I think using active substrate really helps a lot. You almost can't not grow the stuff.
I guess this is a stupid question. When you add fertilizer are you in fact adding Nitrate? That’s why I do water changes , to LOWER nitrate. Couldn’t you just do fewer water changes?
You are adding nitrate (nitrogen) by dosing, yes. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and a whole host of other nutrients are needed by plants in proper ratios and concentrations.
Stopping water changes will only increase a few of those components. What you want to do is occasional water changes and regular dosing of an all in one fert. This will ensure that you have the proper ratios of nutrients in the water column. Not just an over abundance of a few (which will lead to algae).
By dosing and monitoring your water, you can use nitrate as an indicator that you have sufficient quantities of all ferts. Shoot for 30 ppm or so.
@@AquariumPlantLab thank you for responding
I'm buying java fern for 5 times, may be..all are melting after a few months then try again but no success..thanks for the video..I gonna try it again...
I believe most new hobbiests would have more success with Java fern if they knew how to plant it correctly. Few UA-cam channels advise on how to properly prepare Java fern for 'planting', critical to success. It was not mentioned here either.
I’ve got videos on that topic 👍
Seachem flourish doesn’t have that much nitrogen. So you might overdose everything else before reaching 30-40ppm of nitrogen.
Correct. Flourish is more of a micro fert than an all in one in my opinion. A great fertilizer if you naturally have a high amount of NPK.
Potassium. Java fern needs lots and lots of potassium. Dose it! I can guarantee anyone that your JF will not only recover any blackened areas on it's leaves but if kept in a high-tech aquarium? It will pearl intensely when given a lot of potassium. Same goes for emersed cultivation; I make it a point to mist liquid potassium fertilizers seperately, alongside my all-in-one fert.
Phosphate? I haven’t heard of Java fern being a phosphate hog. Now potassium….? I have read that they need extra potassium…..
@@barefootaquatics Oh, my God was I drunk when I typed that! Yes, yes potassium! You're right, lol! Thanks, boss. I'll edit my OP... 😉👍
@@Z4U3398 witch amount of potassium ? Dosing in mg/liters how often Daily Weekly?
Like how much potassium? Would you be able to give an example of how much to dose per week?
Hi ff said not to put fertilizer in the tank because it's toxic in the end but my jv is dying going brown I have aquatic fertilizer potassium do I put it in?
Java Fern and Anubias love extra potassium.
Also that is why a Java fern will do in a way slow but better in a low tech environment, you will not get a bunch of leaf but the competition that usually goes crazy in a high tech is not doing good so you have a more event environment as soon as you switch up and go high tech all of the sudden all those other plants will take up all those nutrients and you there wondering hey the Java fern was doing good before why did it start dying if everything is started doing better
When I add fertilizer, I get a lot algae and plants still look like shit.
Algae is likely choking them out now. Test your water, 10-30 ppm nitrate is a good target depending on fish tolerance. If you’re over that dial back your dosing and do a water change to get to the 10-30 ppm threshold. Dose only what you need to maintain that with periodic water changes. Dial your photoperiod and or intensity down to 6-7 hours until algae is under control. Manual control may be necessary until a balance is achieved. Once balanced you should be able to increase your photoperiod and intensity up to 8-10 hours a day. Usually you won’t want to go more than that or algae will likely come back. Good luck!
You look like my son's baseball coach