Java fern still no growth after 7 months!!!

[saradomin]

I bought a few pieces of healthy java fern back in September last year. Since then it lost more and more of its leaves and now only the rhizomes remain. The only progress I have seen is a few roots that have attached to the piece of driftwood they are tied on. This is a well stocked 125 gallon with low-medium led lighting. I don't use CO2 or any nutrients.

I see other people have some growth with similar tank conditions. What's wrong?

 

[Wailua Boy]

lack of nutrient/s would be my guess as Java Fern doesn't require much light....Try dosing with Excel.

 

[monkeybike]

There is a piece that's been sucked onto the backside of my FX6 intake for months that barely gets light, growing like a champ. I only use seachem flourish. You probably need ferts.

 

[xxUnRaTeDxxRkOxx]

Plants need nutrients, it doesn't matter the type of plant it is... Get some flourish comprehensive, and dose the tank twice a week, this way there's always nutrients available in the water...

 

[tlindsey]

Everyone is correct, I don't do large water changes and Java fern grows as well the java moss. Don't change your wc routine just add what others have suggested.

 

[Skalper666]

I had the same problem earlier when i got into plants.

I started adding Seachem Excel daily and they took off like mad. It's basically liquid CO2. Adding nutrients also helps.

 

[saradomin]

Are there cheaper alternatives to Fluorish and Excel?

 

[Skalper666]

Not sure. Even just excel will help.

Or u can just run co2, but that will be more work and a big initial expense.