HELP............My Java Fern is dying

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Fern doesn't look too bad at all. I would definitely not throw it out. I've had much worse and they eventually recovered. Frogbit needs quite a bit of light for good growth and too much cover on top can cause issues with floating plants due to lack of air circulation. If you put frogbit out in summer in a bucket you will be amazed what it looks like in nature compared with aquarium conditions.

I agree with "Happyfins", the Java fern should be OK. You can take the old brown leaves off, they won't recover.

It might be a low light issue for both fern and frogbit, the other possibility is nutrient deficiency. Have a look at the "Duckweed Index" from <"N P K">.

cheers Darrel

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi all,I agree with "Happyfins", the Java fern should be OK. You can take the old brown leaves off, they won't recover.

It might be a low light issue for both fern and frogbit, the other possibility is nutrient deficiency. Have a look at the "Duckweed Index" from <"N P K">.

cheers Darrel

Hi Darrel,

I ´ve been using "Duckweed Index" for a year now. One of the best things I ´ve learned. Thanks for that!

My Frogbit has a good green color. It just wont multiply for some reason. My light is a 15 W T8 on 15 gallon tank.
My Salvinia Cucullata that´s in the same tank is quite pale in comparison.

I use salts as a fertilizer in my main tank, but have not used in this one cause I´m afraid it would rocket my conductivity.
http://www.aquariumfertilizer.com/i...rnEdit=5&Returnitemname=&ReturnShowItemStart=

I remember you posting on Ukaps some chart of nitrate levels and plant color.

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I ´ve been using "Duckweed Index" for a year now. One of the best things I ´ve learned. Thanks for that!

I think quite a few people use it now, it is nice and straightforward and it works.

My Frogbit has a good green color. It just wont multiply for some reason.

You are right, that looks good and healthy.

My light is a 15 W T8 on 15 gallon tank.

That is pretty low light, especially in the winter when ambient light levels are low.

I remember you posting on Ukaps some chart of nitrate levels and plant color.

Yes it is towards the bottom of page 1 in <"UKAPS:High Nitrate">.

cheers Darrel

 

[ButtNekkid]

Hi,

Could it be that my Frogbit is of good color because it´s full of nitrates and such?
And Salvinia as a newcomer does not have access to ferts cause they are all used up?

How long should I wait if I add fertilization to this tank and want to measure it´s effect on conductivity?
Tank has 2 sponge filters.

I´m seriously derailing this thread now. Sorry about that!

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

Could it be that my Frogbit is of good color because it´s full of nitrates and such?

Yes, it looks pretty healthy.

And Salvinia as a newcomer does not have access to ferts cause they are all used up?

Possibly, although it normally is a paler green.

How long should I wait if I add fertilization to this tank and want to measure it´s effect on conductivity?

The fertiliser should raise the conductivity quickly, and after 30 minutes you should have the new value, even if you add as a dry salt. If you dissolve the fertiliser in water before you add it, the conductivity rise will be almost instantaneous.

cheers Darrel

 

[Karin]

The jave fern will be ok, they like to have a phosphate excess, I guess... and not to much heat.