I would like to have my tank planted with java moss and java ferns. My substrate will not have much gravel (maybe 1/4 - 1/2 inch) so i need a plant i can attach to rocks and driftwood(i will have many chucks of wood in the tank). So i came to the conclussion of java plants. First off, will goldfish eat them? Second, how do you attach java ferns to plants and rocks. I know java moss is tied using fishing line but i imagine java ferns have roots? And finally, how do you go about finding java moss. It seems to be a popular plant but i never really see it at any lfs.

Any tips or comments would be appreciated considering i've never attempted a plants tank before.

Thanks

Also, if anyone could take a picture of their plant tied to the wood that would be greatly helpful. Or a step by step how to with pictures.

thanks

Java Moss & Java Fern are very tough plants. Most goldies will try to nibble at them at first, then lost interest. However my late 8" fantail was a nightmare with plants and eat EVERYTHING. So it depends on the fish.

Java Ferns do have roots. You just need to tie the plant (preferably with fishing line, not to tight) to the driftwood, make sure most of the root touching the wood. In a few weeks the plant will have anchored itself to the wood & if you wish u can remove the fishing line.

Java Moss should be one of the easiest plants to find. Just look around and you'll find a store that sells them.

just to clarify, you put the fishing line around the roots to attach it to the wood, not around say the stem and have the roots freely touching the wood?

Root & stem. If you let the roots hang freely, it'll most likely just float around without ever getting a chance of taking hold.

thanks d golem, you've seem to have answered most of my questions today.

where is the best place to buy java ferns and moss? do the big stores have it or do you have to go look around at smaller places?

Go to one of those aquarium plant forum site's classified section. You will find a lot of cheap and HEALTHY plants.
Try
http://www.plantedtank.net

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/