Java Fern Lopsided

[cupofjoel]

I have a bunch of Java Fern Trident on each side of my tank. The right side is healthy while the left side is turning yellowish/brown. What is going on? They all came from multiple pots. Did I just get a couple of pots that aren't acclimating well? Note, I've had these for a month now.

 

[Retired Viking]

Does one side of your tank get more light? Is the water flow equal on both sides of the tank?

 

[Byron]

A photo wold help. But here is some info from my profile of the species.

The plant grows leaves--or more correctly, fronds, since it is a fern--and roots from a stem called a rhizome; this must never be buried or it will rot. Black cotton thread may be used to initially affix the rhizome to a piece of wood or rock, and the roots will attach the plant securely. The fronds will grow between 6 and 12 inches depending upon available nutrients. Liquid fertilizer should be added to the water.

This plant assimilates nutrients from the water via the fronds and the roots; black areas on the fronds is a sign of nitrogen deficiency (ammonium). Areas of transparency in the fronds means the plant is receiving too much light. This plant does very well under subdued and diffused light, such as a canopy of floating plants. The plant grows slowly, and older fronds that become tattered and blackened may be removed.

 

[cupofjoel]

A photo wold help. But here is some info from my profile of the species.

The plant grows leaves--or more correctly, fronds, since it is a fern--and roots from a stem called a rhizome; this must never be buried or it will rot. Black cotton thread may be used to initially affix the rhizome to a piece of wood or rock, and the roots will attach the plant securely. The fronds will grow between 6 and 12 inches depending upon available nutrients. Liquid fertilizer should be added to the water.

This plant assimilates nutrients from the water via the fronds and the roots; black areas on the fronds is a sign of nitrogen deficiency (ammonium). Areas of transparency in the fronds means the plant is receiving too much light. This plant does very well under subdued and diffused light, such as a canopy of floating plants. The plant grows slowly, and older fronds that become tattered and blackened may be removed.

You can't really tell from the picture, but the left side is yellowish.

 

[cupofjoel]

Does one side of your tank get more light? Is the water flow equal on both sides of the tank?

The light is even throughout the tank. The outflow is on the right side and the intake is on the left.

 

[Byron]

You can't really tell from the picture, but the left side is yellowish.

I don't see much difference in the photo, and in fact I see yellowing on some of the leaves on the far right as well as the left.

My first suggestion would be to get some floating plants. Java Fern is a shade plant which is typical of slow growing plants. I don't know the intensity of the tank light, but if it really is sufficient to keep the "carpet" plants growing, it is probably more than the Java Fern will prefer. Floating plants are the easiest fix here. Large floaters like Water Sprite could be placed just over the Java Fern and controlled more easily to avoid shading the other areas.

 

[cupofjoel]

I don't see much difference in the photo, and in fact I see yellowing on some of the leaves on the far right as well as the left.

My first suggestion would be to get some floating plants. Java Fern is a shade plant which is typical of slow growing plants. I don't know the intensity of the tank light, but if it really is sufficient to keep the "carpet" plants growing, it is probably more than the Java Fern will prefer. Floating plants are the easiest fix here. Large floaters like Water Sprite could be placed just over the Java Fern and controlled more easily to avoid shading the other areas.

I've reduced the lighting awhile ago since I knew it was too strong. It's also only on 6-7 hours a day. My floating plants are arriving today so we'll see if that helps.