'The Un-Amazon' tetra haven

Keri · #1 06-08-2009, 05:27 AM

Java fern will grow in almost any light, is hard to kill and will root to your rock if you tie it temporarily with dental floss.

BlueAbyss · #2 06-08-2009, 05:31 AM

I've considered that but I refuse to buy single leaves in a store, to wait for plants to grow. I hated doing that years ago and won't do it now.

I am, however, considering planting a 'moss garden', since I don't want to add lights. We'll see, the tank has to stabilize somewhat before I do anything further to the poor fish. The move was somewhat traumatic for them, with the ammonia and all. I'll never again move a sandbed without rinsing the sand well first... that was my mistake, I'm sure.

Keri · #3 06-08-2009, 05:42 AM

single leaves? the java fern I've ever purchased was in whole plant form, usually for around 6-10$ for a good sized clump but if you know anyone with any in their tanks they are usually MORE than willing to give big clumps away. In my 55g tank I throw out a 5g bucket worth of plant clippings every couple of months, much of it is javafern and java moss.
This little runner shouldn't cost more than 5$ or so at a pet store

BlueAbyss · #4 06-08-2009, 06:17 AM

I was at Petland (around 4 hours away, closest place to buy fish and stuff though I wouldn't call it a LFS) last week, where I got my salt, rock, and sand (the salt and sand were overpriced, and the live rock is nice but devoid of life). All they had was clumps of single leaves, wrapped on the stem end with rockwool, and held with plant weights. I've seen similar at Walmart.

I have to commend Petland for having a decent array of plants to choose from, I just wasn't sure what was happening with the saltwater stuff when I got home, so I wasn't sure what (if anything) was happening with the tetras. Didn't want to have plants with no permanent home.

Also, I don't know anyone with tanks in town. Well, one guy. But he just has oscars.

Keri · #5 06-08-2009, 06:25 AM

Oh that's a shame

I wonder why they'd sell it like that? If you were closer I'd give you some!

BlueAbyss · #6 06-08-2009, 06:35 AM

Thanks Keri! They likely sell it like that because it's cheaper to produce... they just grow the plants on wood, harvesting leaves occasionally (which grow back).