Okay so picking the right plants for your betta tank doesn't have to be done with the same care you would give say picking a brain surgeon - or like your life depended on it. But this is still a decision worthy of a bit of brain sweat. Okay maybe just a little. Because the answer may lie in a plant you may never have heard of before. Java Ferns
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| Java Fern, one of only a few ferns capable of growing underwater. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
That's right. The java fern could just be the best aquarium plant you have never heard of. It's an even better betta fish plant, if I'm allowed to so designate one. Plus it's a low maintenance bit of vegetation that should do just fine in your tank and bring with it several benefits.
Having been sold on the idea, as with all things betta, there are some questions you might wish to ask about this planted tank adventure that you might not think of so let me suggest a few. These are extracted from the list of less than obvious questions about java ferns you may not have thought of but should have.
Question #1: So why is this a good plant for bettas?
It's simple. Plants help to keep nitrate levels down. And low nitrate levels equate to better water quality which equates to healthier fish. Aside from that these ferns provide shelter or just a place for a betta to take a break. You may see your fish just resting on one of the leaves. Plus they add to the overall beauty of the tank you've got going there.
Question #2: Sounds good, then how do I get started with these?
Success with java ferns begins with cured driftwood. Given these plants are rhizome based, meaning the leaves and roots develop from one, you'll want to simply tie your plant to the driftwood with fishing line until its roots take hold. After a few weeks you can snip off the line as the plant should be firmly attached by then. The roots will spread across the face of the wood from there.
The big idea here is to avoid burying the rhizome in the gravel or substrate. That will doom your plant to a fairly quick death.
Question #3: Will I need to provide any kind of fertilization?
Good question with a short answer. It depends. That and everyone has their favorite one be it something like Leaf Zone or some other commercial aquarium plant food. Plus there are no hard and fast rules for feeding.
Here's the deal with the fertilizer. The amount your plants will need to thrive depends on how much light they get. To put it simply the more light the plants get the hungrier they'll be. So more light equates to higher fertilizer or food requirements. The trick is too much of this stuff and you'll only be encouraging unwanted algae growth. Too little and your plants may be stymied. Much like Goldilocks, the amount to use needs to be just right. Which you can only determine from firsthand experience.
Still the nice thing about java ferns is they'll make do with the light you provide. Taking anything from bright to low light and making the best of it.
Anyway those are three lesser, yet good to know questions about java fern that you might not have thought of asking off the top of your head. So now you know.
And should you want help with male or female betta fish a visit to http://www.better-bettas.com is just a click away. Many find it to be worthwhile to read all the helpful advice and tips about Siamese fighting fish that awaits novice and intermediate betta keepers alike. Article Source: EzineArticles |
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