Who Gives A Fish Forums

I'm wondering if anyone's experienced this with Java ferns on coco mats... I've had them in my tanks for a few months now, and the bigger leaves are dying off, but there's a ton of new growth from the runners and babies on the older leaves. Is it possible these new plants are adapting to underwater growth, and that's why they look so healthy? I'm faced with either pruning them back or letting the critters break them down - any thoughts?

Hello Magnum, you've made an awesome choice adding Java Fern to your tank. I've got one in my 45-gallon setup and it's taken over the bottom, attached to a large piece of driftwood with some black cotton thread. That thread dissolves in the water eventually, but by then the plant's got a good grip on the wood. I don't bother removing old or dying leaves like I do with other plants - the seed pods on the back of the mother plant leaves will sprout into new plants. This one's a slow grower, but it'll respond to added CO2. One of the best things about Java Fern is that fish tend to leave it alone, even the ones that love munching on plants.

Hi Magnum, it's pretty normal for new plants to go through a transition period in your tank. I've seen this with crypts, but other plants can do it too. As long as you're getting new growth, don't worry about the older leaves dying back - it's just part of the process. You can easily pull off the dead leaves and let the new ones grow in their place.

I'm sure you're aware of this, but just to be clear: be careful not to bury the rhizome of your Java fern. Keep it above the substrate to prevent rot. Attaching them to rocks or wood with thread is a great idea, or you can use superglue to secure them in place. Since your Java ferns are already on coconut mats, you can likely just place them where you want them and let them grow.

I got the Java Ferns on cocoa fiber mats, so no need to attach them to anything. I just use a 4" piece of lead-free solder to secure the mat, threading it through and folding the ends under. Then I just place them where I want - in this case, on top of some glass canning jars with dirt and black aquarium gravel, not that it's necessary. I had some Corkscrew Val there initially, but the fish kept nipping at it, so I repurposed the jar rims to hold the Java Ferns in place.

When the babies detach, I've been putting them in a separate tank with no fish, except for a 7" common Pleco that needed a home. He's my 'canary' in that tank, which I'm using as a 'Java Nursery' for now.

I think there might be an issue with the light or nutrients in your tank. If you could share some data about your setup, I'd be happy to take a look and see if I can offer any suggestions.