Tom

Would I be able to raise java ferns in a regular 1/2 gallon goldfish bowl with a light over top and on for a few hours? The bowl has a piece of that clear plastic used to keep food fresh and is held on by a couple of elastic bands. But at the moment I don't really have any room in my tanks where they can be at peace and not get eaten.
Tom

bbfeckawitts

I would think so, as long as it has some kind of fertilizer. But I'm DEFINATLY no expert.

griffin

i would tend to agree with bbfeckawitts, but i've not personally done that for any extended amount of time. ferts will eventually be needed unless you have something else in there with it tho

Jim

you might want to log onto Plantgeek.com and check for sure, but I'm pretty sure a Jave Fern needs to be rooted to a piece of driftwood to grow. If that's the case, I don't see why you couldn't put a small piece in your bowl and grow it on that. Should look pretty cool.

griffin

java fern can be rooted to driftwood, but it doesn't need to be rooted. the rhizomes do need to be above the gravel though

Tom

Thanks guys. The bowl is just bare glass at the moment. Would you advise putting in some gravel?
Tom

Jim

I would, but that's just me...

Butterfly

I would put in just a bit of gravel for looks, and attach the java fern to a rock or a small piece of wood other wise it will float. If planted it will rot. The roots are water roots and will not grow into the substrate. Some kind of fertilizer needs to be added but since it's a slow grower not much is needed. I assume your not going to put fish in that tiny bowl, right?
Carol

Tom

Ya, okay, thanks. I have about 2" of water in it and the leaves are about half an inch long. I am aware of the ferns dieing if not left to 'float', I have had that happen a few times and wondered why but then figured it out on my own. I know that any fish would get to big for the bowl and that is why I used it. But would I be able to put a few shrimp in there? If so, would ghost shrimp be fine?
Tom

griffin

do java ferns not root into the substrate or is it just slower? i have my java ferns planted in the substrate with just the leaves/rhizomes out, and they seem to do fine, although i notice that when i take them out, they have small roots. i wasn't sure if that was because of being planted though.

shrimp should be fine in that tank, however, it might be difficult to keep them alive since they are pretty picky on water parameters. i think it will be ok as long as you only keep a few and keep the water clean

Butterfly

Java Ferns don't grow roots into the substrate Shrimp would be really cool in the bowl the only down side I can see is they like to jump.
Carol

Tom

I don't think they would be able to get out since I have a piece of plastic wrap over it to keep the moisture inside and evaporate and me having to keep adding water to it. It has some holes so the heat can escape and air can get in but they are small holes.
Tom

Tom

Would you advise putting some ghost shrimp in the bowl and put an airhose in from some more air circulation? I am wanting to know soon because I am gooing to the lfs tonight after parent/teacher interviews(manditory ) and am going to get a few zebra danios for the 10 gallon to have some movement in the tank and not just 2 small(3/4-1 1/4") fish.
Tom

Butterfly

Yep that should work alright
Ccarol

Tom

Instead of danios, I got 3 rummy-nose tetras and an amono shrimp for the ferns yesterday. And today I got 3 more shrimp and a mesh cover for the 10 gallon to put outside. The 10 gallon doesn't have a filter or heater but I'm going to bring it in at night since our night's are still a little cold and put a pump with a hose in the tank to keep oxygen in the 1/4 filled tank.
Tom