Anubias Vs Java Fern - What's The Best Option For Your Planted Tank?

My Anubis Types Video -    • 7 Beautiful Types Of Anubias For Your Plan...  

Anubias Vs Java Fern - What's The Best Option For Your Planted Tank?

Some screenshots are from the ‪@HorizonAquatics‬ website, here's their pages for Anubias and Java Fern.
Anubias - https://www.horizonaquatics.co.uk/pag...
Java Fern - https://www.horizonaquatics.co.uk/pag...

Varieties and Popular Options
I begin by discussing the wide range of varieties available within both plant species. For Anubias, I've personally kept several types, including Anubias Barteri, Anubias Coffeefolia, Anubias Caladifolia, and more. Each variety brings something unique to the table, from the larger, more robust leaves of Anubias Barteri to the smaller, delicate leaves of Anubias Nana Petite, which are perfect for nano tanks. I also touch on the different species within the Anubias genus, noting that the Barteri varieties are particularly well-suited for aquarium life due to their ease of adaptation to submerged conditions.

When it comes to Java Fern, I've had experience with various forms like Java Fern Narrow, Java Fern Trident, and the India Green Gnome. Java Fern is slightly different in that a larger proportion of the varieties available in the hobby are cultivars—plants that have been selectively bred for certain traits. Despite this, they are generally hardy and easy to care for, making them just as popular as Anubias.

Common Issues and How to Tackle Them
Next, I address some of the common issues that aquarists might encounter with these plants. Anubias, for example, is prone to green spot algae, particularly in tanks with high light levels. I share my personal experience with combating this issue by adjusting light exposure and ensuring proper tank maintenance. I also discuss the occasional melting of Anubias varieties, particularly in newly cycling tanks, which can often be attributed to fluctuating ammonia levels.

Java Fern, on the other hand, can sometimes experience leaf melt, especially during the transition from emersed to submerged growth. This is a natural process and usually stabilizes after a few months. I specifically mention my challenges with the India Green Gnome variety, which has been more finicky compared to others.

Cost and Availability
When it comes to cost and availability, both Anubias and Java Fern are widely available in most aquarium stores. However, the price can vary depending on the variety and source. In general, both plants are affordable, with most varieties costing around £6 or $8. Anubias Coffeefolia, however, tends to be more expensive and is often out of stock due to its popularity. Java Fern varieties are more consistent in price, with no significant outliers. This section is largely a draw, as both plants are easy to find and reasonably priced.

Propagation: Getting the Most Out of Your Plants
Propagation is another key topic, where I explain the differences in how you can reproduce these plants. Java Fern is notably easier to propagate, with baby plantlets often growing directly on the leaves of the mother plant. These can be easily removed and attached to new hardscape pieces in your tank. Anubias, on the other hand, requires a bit more patience, as you need to wait for the rhizome to grow long enough before dividing it. Although this process is slightly more time-consuming, both plants are relatively simple to propagate, allowing you to expand your collection without breaking the bank.

Growth Requirements and Maintenance
Both Anubias and Java Fern are low-maintenance plants that do well in a variety of conditions, making them ideal for a wide range of aquarium setups. I discuss their growth requirements, noting that both plants thrive under low to moderate light and don’t require high nutrient levels. They absorb most of their nutrients directly from the water column, making them less dependent on substrate fertilizers. This makes them particularly suitable for tanks without a nutrient-rich substrate.

In terms of maintenance, these plants are as easy as it gets. Their slow growth rate means they don’t require frequent trimming, which is a big plus for anyone looking to maintain a low-maintenance tank. I share my experience with my own tanks, where I’ve had minimal need to trim or intervene with either plant, allowing them to grow naturally and slowly over time.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Intro
00:15 - Epiphytic Plants
00:27 - Varieties
02:01 - Common Issues
04:29 - Cost And Availability
05:28 - Propagation
07:16 - Growth Requirements
09:01 - Nutrition
10:19 - Maintenance
11:28 - Tank Placement

Some of the links in this video description may be affiliate links meaning I earn a small commission from any purchases made.