5 Gallon Tank How to make Java Fern grow faster?

[BettaFishObsessed]

I have a five gallon tank that I put some Java Ferns into, and I know they are slower growing but I was just curious if anyone knows how to grow them faster (different lighting, fertilizers, etc.) I don’t use co2 or anything like that in my tank, just a tank with lights, heat, a filter, gravel, and API Leaf zone fertilizer (Im sure 200 people just cringed, I know how low quality it is but I dont want to waste it so im using it up before finding a better one). Im pretty sure theres nothing to do but wait for it to fill in, but it never hurts to ask right?
Also the tank is still cycling and Im going to put a betta in it if anyone is curious

 

[Heron]

Plants need light, nutrients and co2 to grow, one of these will be the limiting factor reducing the growth rate. Co2 may be limiting but I think a co2 system is overkill for Java fern. Most plant feeding products should give the nutrients you need. A brighter light or longer lighting hours may increase the growth rate. Unless you are desperate to grow the fern faster I would just be patient. If the plant looks healthy your probably feeding it ok,
I use tetra PlantaMin in a tank with Java fern and it grows reasonably quickly.

 

[BettaFishObsessed]

Plants need light, nutrients and co2 to grow, one of these will be the limiting factor reducing the growth rate. Co2 may be limiting but I think a co2 system is overkill for Java fern. Most plant feeding products should give the nutrients you need. A brighter light or longer lighting hours may increase the growth rate. Unless you are desperate to grow the fern faster I would just be patient. If the plant looks healthy your probably feeding it ok,
I use tetra PlantaMin in a tank with Java fern and it grows reasonably quickly.

Okay, thanks for the suggestions! Im not in a big hurry, Im just impatient when it comes to waiting for plants to fill in haha. Thank you! I will increase the lighting hours a little and maybe try tetra PlantaMin next

 

[Pfrozen]

Id use any product over Seachem flourish and tbh even high end fertilizers have problems. No matter what you buy you'll have to buy something else or change something if you ever get into more difficult plants. For now I'm sure leaf zone is fine for java ferns

 

[BettaFishObsessed]

Id use any product over Seachem flourish and tbh even high end fertilizers have problems. No matter what you buy you'll have to buy something else or change something if you ever get into more difficult plants. For now I'm sure leaf zone is fine for java ferns

Okay thank you!

 

[-Mak-]

I think you answered your own question!
But growth rate is driven primarily by light/CO2, if your light and CO2 are low then nutrient demand will also be lower. It's all relative

 

[BettaFishObsessed]

I think you answered your own question!
But growth rate is driven primarily by light/CO2, if your light and CO2 are low then nutrient demand will also be lower. It's all relative

Okay thanks!

 

[Dennis57]

How is the Java Fern planted? How long are lights on for? What type of lights? Java Fern really does not need co2, but it will help it grow faster

 

[BettaFishObsessed]

How is the Java Fern planted? How long are lights on for? What type of lights? Java Fern really does not need co2, but it will help it grow faster

I just have a 10-15 (I think not 100% sure) watt led thats attached to the inside of the lid (it came with it). I keep it on for about 7 hours a day. the plant is placed on top of the substrate since i know your not supposed to bury the rhizomes.

 

[Ssnaaiil]

Okay, thanks for the suggestions! Im not in a big hurry, Im just impatient when it comes to waiting for plants to fill in haha. Thank you! I will increase the lighting hours a little and maybe try tetra PlantaMin next

I am also super impatient on waiting for my plants to grow/fill out my tank. Every day I spend time looking at every plant to see if it’s getting new growth.

 

[BettaFishObsessed]

I am also super impatient on waiting for my plants to grow/fill out my tank. Every day I spend time looking at every plant to see if it’s getting new growth.

Haha, glad to know I’m not alone. I need some more plant cover by the time my tank cycles in a week probably to get a betta and have it not be stressed out and I am very impatient haha