My first real plants!

[aquarinut]

Hello all!

I've just bought my first REAL plants. Java Ferns! Was told by my LFS that I shouldn't "plant" them, but tie them off to various decorations that I already have. Am considering fishing line for that, would this be OK?

I've only had plastic plants up to now. What kind of fertilizers should I get? Was told I shouldn't need any for my size of tank (20gal), the detrius from the the fish should suffice. Was also told that ANY type of Pleco would be pretty plant destructive (I have about a 4" Common Pleco, not including the tail). Is this true?

Any suggestions, advice would be greatly appreciated :)

[AngelMom]

Yeah, they don't do well with their roots covered. And yes, the fishing line should do fine ... just make sure it's not too tight.

The bit about not fertilizing is BS though ... they need it just like any other plant does. All you get out of the fish and leftover food is nitrates and phosphates. Plants also need iron, potassium, trace elements, and carbon. I'd suggest using either Leaf Zone or Kent Freshwater Plant along with Floursh Trace and Flourish Excell for starters and see how they do. ;)

Plecos don't usually damage plants ... they prefer to chew on wood. I've never had a plant damaged by a pleco (and I have one in all my large tanks). Snails on the other hand.... :rolleyes:

[oscarbartoni]

I would trade in the pleco for one that does not grow to 18 inches like the common pleco does. There are several algae eating fish that will fit in a twenty gallon aquarium such as otto cats. Plus if your plants are growing well then you might not get algae or very little of it. If you do not have algae why do people get plecos.

[fishbooger]

My pleco was a gift from Grandad! :D

[oscarbartoni]

Your grandfather was well meaning but uninformed about the pleco, maybe you could explain to him about how large they get and ask him what he would do. Maybe he will go with you to exchange the pleco for something that will better fit into your tank without out growing it.

[aquarinut]

Did I do it wrong or am I just too impatient? I'ts been six days since I tied the java fern using fishing line to my driftwood. The base of the roots are tied against the wood but the roots are just kinda floating around.

So far, no changes on the plant (7or 8 leaves, about 2" long for the longest, some splotched with a kinda brown/black stuff and some very pristine green.)

Any idea on what to watch for or did I make a mistake?? :o

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks again, sorry for being a pain :o

[AngelMom]

No, they're fine. The roots don't usually grab onto anything ...which is why we tie the plants to something. ;)

[aquarinut]

OK... took the plunge.

Today is the first time that I've added any type of plant ferts to my tank. I put in API Leaf Zone. My little Java Fern hasn't changed much since I first put it in. Some leaves very light green, some dark green and quite a few with dark brown splotches. (Should I cut the leaves with splotches off?)

I poured the Leaf Zone onto the exhaust of my filter which pretty much flows down onto the plant. The bottle doesn't say how to apply it to the tank.

I'll be doing my regular 20-25% water change day after tommorrow, should I add some more?

Sorry for sounding so skittish about such a small (I think) issue. Its just that my fish have been doing so well lately that I'm petrified to change anything in their environment!

[AngelMom]

Today is the first time that I've added any type of plant ferts to my tank. I put in API Leaf Zone. My little Java Fern hasn't changed much since I first put it in. Some leaves very light green, some dark green and quite a few with dark brown splotches. (Should I cut the leaves with splotches off?)
It's fine if they aren't too bad ... I usually remove any leaves that are more than about 35% brown. The plants will take a few weeks to respond to anything different, so you'll need some more patience. ;)


I poured the Leaf Zone onto the exhaust of my filter which pretty much flows down onto the plant. The bottle doesn't say how to apply it to the tank.
That's just fine ... I don't think it matters much as it starts to dissipate into the tank water right away. Personally, I prefer to dilute the ferts with tank water before pouring it in the tank, but I know there are plenty of folks who pour them into the tank straight from the bottle. Do consider getting some additional ferts though ... Leaf Zone is only iron and potassium but most plants need other supplements.

I'll be doing my regular 20-25% water change day after tommorrow, should I add some more?
That'll work ... I know my plants need to be fed every three or four days.