What is Java Fern?
Java Fern is a popular aquatic plant among aquarium owners and is native to areas of Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It is a hardy plant and can survive in many different water conditions. It is also relatively easy to care for, as it does not require any special fertilizers or other additives to thrive. Java Fern is a slow grower and can grow up to 12 inches in height with its bright green leaves reaching up to 4 inches in length.
Can You Bury Java Fern?
The answer is yes, you can bury Java Fern. Many aquarium owners find that burying Java Fern is a great way to add a unique look to their tanks. This is because the roots of the Java Fern can be buried beneath the substrate and the leaves can be left above the substrate. This will give the illusion that the plant is floating in the water.
When burying Java Fern, you should use a substrate that is not too fine or too coarse. A substrate that is too fine can cause the roots of the plant to become waterlogged and will eventually cause the plant to rot. A substrate that is too coarse can cause the roots to become dry and the plant to die. A good rule of thumb is to use a substrate that has an average grain size of 0.5-1.5mm.
Once you have chosen a substrate, you can begin to bury the Java Fern. You should start by digging a shallow hole in the substrate and then place the roots of the plant into the hole. You should make sure that the roots are completely covered with the substrate. Once the roots are in place, you can then gently press down the substrate around the roots to ensure that the plant is secure.
Caring for Buried Java Fern
When caring for buried Java Fern, it is important to make sure that the substrate is kept moist. You can do this by adding small amounts of water to the substrate every few days. Additionally, you should make sure to keep the leaves of the plant free of debris and algae by removing any debris or algae that may accumulate on the leaves.
Java Ferns are also sensitive to light, so you should avoid placing them in areas of direct sunlight. Additionally, you should make sure to keep the tank temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit. You should also make sure to test the water parameters on a regular basis to ensure that the pH and other water parameters are kept within the recommended range for Java Ferns.
Benefits of Burying Java Ferns
One of the biggest benefits of burying Java Ferns is that it can help to reduce the amount of algae in your tank. The shade provided by the Java Ferns can help to prevent the growth of algae, as algae need light to grow. Additionally, the roots of the Java Ferns can help to extract nutrients from the substrate, which can help to reduce the amount of nutrients in the water that can be used by the algae.
Burying Java Ferns can also help to create a natural look in your tank. When left to their own devices, Java Ferns can form an attractive carpet of foliage that can be used to create a beautiful display in your aquarium. Additionally, burying Java Ferns can help to give the illusion that the plants are growing directly from the substrate, which can add an interesting and unique look to your tank.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to bury Java Ferns in your aquarium. This can be a great way to add a unique look to your tank and can also help to reduce the amount of algae in the tank. When burying Java Ferns, it is important to use a substrate that is not too fine or too coarse and to make sure that the roots are completely covered with the substrate. Additionally, it is important to keep the leaves of the plant free of debris and algae and to keep the tank temperature between 72-78 degrees Fahrenheit.