java fern and windelov question

[viewfinder]

I picked up this plant because I wanted something low maintenance with no CO2 requirements. I've got a Fluval Edge 6 gallon tank that's perfect for anubias, but I wanted to mix things up with some different leaf styles - and I loved the unique look of this one.

I got it from a pest-free tube and attached it to various spots in my tank, making sure the rhizome was above the substrate. It looked great at first, but lately it's started browning out.

I did some research and it seems like the lighting might be too intense? But I'm just using the factory lights, and my anubias is so big it blocks most of the light anyway... so I'm wondering if it's actually not getting enough?

I've been dosing with Flourish Comprehensive at half the recommended dose, once a week (.25 ml), since I was told I didn't need it with my current plants. I did skip a dose last week, but the browning started about two weeks ago.

I've attached some pics, and my tank parameters are:
PH = 7.6
KH = 40 - 80 ppm
GH = 75 - 150 ppm
TDS = 187
chlorine = zero
Ammonia = zero
Nitrite = zero
Nitrate = 0 - 10ppm
I do a water change once a week.

[boomer]

I've had Java Fern for years, not the Wendt's Love variety, but it's a shade plant so I've learned to adapt. I use floating plants to filter the light, seems to work well for me. I've got Java Fern in multiple tanks now, and even with similar conditions, I've noticed differences.

I'd recommend dosing Flourish Comprehensive at least once a week, but at a minimum dose - half of what's recommended, to be safe. I've found that this plant can be sensitive to changes, even if you think the conditions are identical. It's like each tank has its own unique biology, and it takes some time for the plant to settle in. Once it does, it usually bounces back.

[viewfinder]

Hi boomer, thanks for the reassurance, I really love the unique look of this plant and it's a great addition to my tank. I've only had it for a month, so I'm hoping it's just settling in like you mentioned.

I've been dosing Flourish Comprehensive once a week, but I've been doing it based on the water volume I change out, not the entire tank volume. Should I be dosing for the full tank volume instead, or is my current method okay?

I remember you mentioning that floating plants might not be the best fit for my fluval edge tank, due to the limited opening at the top. I've been trying to find ways to reduce the light for my anubias leaves, and cutting back on the light timing has helped, but they still get a bit spotted.

[boomer]

I'd calculate the Flourish Comprehensive dose based on your tank's volume, taking into account the water displaced by the substrate and decorations, then halve it. I just dosed my own tanks yesterday after the water change, and for my 70-gallon tank, I used half a teaspoon, which is the recommended dose for 30 gallons.

If you've got the lighting under control with the duration, that's fine. I've found that direct light can cause algae issues with Java Fern and Anubias, but this seems to vary from one tank to another.

[viewfinder]

I've had Java Fern for years, not the Wendt's Love variety, but it's a shade plant so I've learned to adapt. I use floating plants to filter the light, seems to work well for me. I've got Java Fern in multiple tanks now, and even with similar conditions, I've noticed differences.

I'd recommend dosing Flourish Comprehensive at least once a week, but at a minimum dose - half of what's recommended, to be safe. I've found that this plant can be sensitive to changes, even if you think the conditions are identical. It's like each tank has its own unique biology, and it takes some time for the plant to settle in. Once it does, it usually bounces back.

Thanks for the clarification, boomer. You mentioned controlling the light with duration, I was wondering what you'd recommend for a small tank like mine. I'm currently running 10am to 8pm, but I used to do 10-10 and realized that was a bit too much. Is 10 hours still too long, or is that a good range?

[boomer]

I picked up this plant because I wanted something low maintenance with no CO2 requirements. I've got a Fluval Edge 6 gallon tank that's perfect for anubias, but I wanted to mix things up with some different leaf styles - and I loved the unique look of this one.

I got it from a pest-free tube and attached it to various spots in my tank, making sure the rhizome was above the substrate. It looked great at first, but lately it's started browning out.

I did some research and it seems like the lighting might be too intense? But I'm just using the factory lights, and my anubias is so big it blocks most of the light anyway... so I'm wondering if it's actually not getting enough?

I've been dosing with Flourish Comprehensive at half the recommended dose, once a week (.25 ml), since I was told I didn't need it with my current plants. I did skip a dose last week, but the browning started about two weeks ago.

I've attached some pics, and my tank parameters are:
PH = 7.6
KH = 40 - 80 ppm
GH = 75 - 150 ppm
TDS = 187
chlorine = zero
Ammonia = zero
Nitrite = zero
Nitrate = 0 - 10ppm
I do a water change once a week.

For me, it's all about finding that balance with algae as my guide. Once I've got the intensity right, I focus on balancing that with nutrients - whether that's adding fertilizer or not, it really depends on the plants and fish load in my tank. The goal is to keep that balance stable, and if problem algae starts to show up, I know something's out of whack - usually it's the light. I've found that 8 hours is the max I can go without issues, and in my 70g tank, it's even less - 7 hours works best. If you're not dealing with algae problems, I wouldn't stress about it, but do keep in mind these low-light plants have specific needs.

[viewfinder]

I've had Java Fern for years, not the Wendt's Love variety, but it's a shade plant so I've learned to adapt. I use floating plants to filter the light, seems to work well for me. I've got Java Fern in multiple tanks now, and even with similar conditions, I've noticed differences.

I'd recommend dosing Flourish Comprehensive at least once a week, but at a minimum dose - half of what's recommended, to be safe. I've found that this plant can be sensitive to changes, even if you think the conditions are identical. It's like each tank has its own unique biology, and it takes some time for the plant to settle in. Once it does, it usually bounces back.

I'm not seeing algae, but the leaves near the top lighting are getting pitted, almost like they're getting scorched. I've attached a new picture to show what's going on.

[boomer]

Intense lighting can indeed cause damage to leaves, possibly even giving the appearance of burns.

[viewfinder]

The leaves that aren't under the direct light are perfect, really beautiful. I'm pretty sure the others are getting burnt. I'll do some research and see what I can find out - if it's something that can harm the whole plant. Although, this plant is a real grower, always putting out new leaves and roots like crazy.

[boomer]

I picked up this plant because I wanted something low maintenance with no CO2 requirements. I've got a Fluval Edge 6 gallon tank that's perfect for anubias, but I wanted to mix things up with some different leaf styles - and I loved the unique look of this one.

I got it from a pest-free tube and attached it to various spots in my tank, making sure the rhizome was above the substrate. It looked great at first, but lately it's started browning out.

I did some research and it seems like the lighting might be too intense? But I'm just using the factory lights, and my anubias is so big it blocks most of the light anyway... so I'm wondering if it's actually not getting enough?

I've been dosing with Flourish Comprehensive at half the recommended dose, once a week (.25 ml), since I was told I didn't need it with my current plants. I did skip a dose last week, but the browning started about two weeks ago.

I've attached some pics, and my tank parameters are:
PH = 7.6
KH = 40 - 80 ppm
GH = 75 - 150 ppm
TDS = 187
chlorine = zero
Ammonia = zero
Nitrite = zero
Nitrate = 0 - 10ppm
I do a water change once a week.

I recall having burnt leaves in the past, but they looked different, which is why I wasn't entirely sure about your case. My plants were floating, so the leaves would rise above the surface, which might've altered their appearance.