Java fern and spiky moss turning brown

[Mystikboy]

Hi, does anyone here really know why exactly java fern and spiky moss turns brown and dies?
Many reports /forums online are vague and do not provide concrete solutions or diagnosis.

I was told that it is because of high temperatures, but though I use a fan, it is insufficient and the fern, and moss, still browns. Temperature now is around 27-30.

I seriously over filter my tank, with a 2228 filtering 60 x 30 x 20.

Ph is 6.0. I understand this is a little low. Is that a problem?

I use Borneo wild lush and growth (equivalent to excel). 2 pumps of lush and one pump of growth daily.

2ft led lights.

Tank is stocked with 9 rummies, about 10 cories and 2 l183.

Plants are java ferns, anubias, and moss. The plants don't seem to be doing too great (stagnant growth) but the java ferns is the worst.

Will appreciate your insights

Thank you

[Mystikboy]

Also, sand substrate and 3 pieces of Bogwood, if that helps

[diazman]

How long has the plants been in your tank?

1) Spiky Moss and Java fern are both hardy plants IMO. They were able to grow with no issues in my tank with temperatures between 30-31C. The moss browning out is most likely because they are still adjusting to your tank's parameters and environment. New green fronds will emerge from the browning parts. Ensure that there's adequate water flow reaching to the moss and keep the water clean as much as possible. Also, moss tend to give the brownish appearance (this is especially true with java moss) due to accumulated dirt within the moss, so it is wise to "dust" the moss down to rid it of the dirt from time to time.


2) For Java fern wise, if they were recently brought from the LFS in those clear plastic, the plant is most likely grown emerse and therefore adjusting to the tank as well. For the browning parts, just hack them away with a scissors. As long as the rhizome is green, secured to a rock/wood and not rotting, the plant will spring back after a while.


The above points I have shared merely is just what I experience with the plants in my tank. My tank's PH is hovering around 5 mainly due to the borneowild shrimp soil used in it. Simple filtration by a large HOF + DIY Co2 and regular dosing of fertilizers in small amounts.

Hope this helps!

[Mystikboy]

They've been in the tank for a few weeks though =/ and I got them emersed. perplexed! Glad to know that temp and pH aren't the problem though

Thanks for the help anyway!

[nature247]

Perhaps too much fertiliser. Do a huge water change and fertilise just once a week since they are slow-growing plants.

[diazman]

They've been in the tank for a few weeks though =/ and I got them emersed. perplexed! Glad to know that temp and pH aren't the problem though

Thanks for the help anyway!

Don't worry so much about the plants. Remember, the more changes you make in your tank, the longer the plants will take to settle down. If your tank is on the "low tech" side with no co2/fert, the plants will grow at a slower rate. So just sit back and relax

[TheAquarist]

Imo, no matter what u do, u can never kill moss lol

[nitehawk80]

Imo, no matter what u do, u can never kill moss lol

I concur !

[mavryan]

One thing to take note is that Excel is able to kill plant if dosage is large or you use it to kill algae by localised treatment.
I dose Excel localised on my fissiden, and some part turned brown.

[Watcher]

Informative sharing. Useful to me. Thanks guys.