 Re: How To Keep Ferns?
To be honest, I'm not sure why you'd list this system as a NPT. You're ferting, you've got 1.5wpg (upper end of NPT), you've got timers controlling for synth breaks and man-made substrate. I think you're coming to the dark side with this tank; it's okay, we've got cookies.
I'd suggest learning about your nutrients if you're going to fert. Figure out the ratios/ppm and why plants need them. DIY ferts will save you a pile of money, and the research will give you a nice chunk of knowledge about the hobby.
From there, slap on maybe .5wpg worth of lighting and tinker with the CO2 to compensate. Once you've got the basics of this, you'll have your choice of plants to master.
You wanted help with your java ferns? Unless they're getting torn apart by their own plantlets, or poisoned by some unknown variable, java fern will do just fine. Your problem with plants is hard to nail down because of the number of uncontrolled variables in your ferts; stabilizing this will fix your problem or give some meaningful indicators for everyone else.
And just for emphasis, I'm not posting on this thread as an effort to turn anyone away or towards any ideas arbitrarily. I'm just replying to what I see going on in this specific aquarium; it seems very close to being a mid-high tech system.
Best of luck with your tank. If you want help, I'd be glad to answer any questions that you've got.
-Philosophos |