🌿 Crepidomanes micro malabaricum in Aquarium

🔹 Overview

• Belongs to Hymenophyllaceae (filmy ferns).

• Known for transparent, paper-thin fronds – extremely delicate.

• Found in moist, shaded forest streams and waterfalls, which makes it semi-aquatic in nature.

• Can survive submerged for short periods, but thrives better in emersed/mist conditions.

🔹 Aquarium Suitability

• Type: Semi-aquatic / terrarium / paludarium plant (not a true underwater plant).

• Best Use:

  • Paludariums & ripariums (with high humidity, constant moisture).

  • Attached to rocks, driftwood, or mossy surfaces near water flow.

• Not ideal for fully submerged aquariums – it may melt or rot if kept under water long-term.

🔹 Water & Tank Parameters

• Temperature: 18–26°C (cooler side is better).

• pH: 6.0–7.2 (slightly acidic to neutral).

• Hardness: Soft water preferred.

• Lighting: Low to medium (too much light burns the fronds).

• Flow: Gentle water movement, similar to a natural stream environment.

🔹 Placement in Aquarium

• Attach rhizome to driftwood, lava rock, or moss-covered stones using thread/fishing line.

• Do not bury in substrate (rhizome will rot).

• Ideal near filter outflow or water trickle zones in paludariums.

🔹 Growth & Care

• Growth Rate: Extremely slow.

• CO₂: Not necessary but improves health.

• Fertilizer: Liquid micronutrients (very diluted) may help, but avoid strong dosing.

• Needs very high humidity (>80%) if kept emersed.

• If submerged:

  • May survive for weeks,

  • But eventually fronds degrade due to lack of constant airflow + very thin leaf structure.

🔹 Propagation

• By spores (very difficult in aquarium setting).

• Sometimes by slow rhizome division.

• Rarely available in aquarium trade – usually only in botanical collections or terrarium hobbyists.

🔹 Challenges in Aquarium

• Very delicate, prone to melting if water quality changes.

• Sensitive to algae growth (leaves are so thin, algae suffocates them fast).

• Not for beginners – recommended only for specialized aquascapes or collectors.

🔹 Conservation Note

• It is endemic and rare in the Western Ghats (India).

• Collection from wild is harmful to biodiversity.

• If obtained, ensure it comes from tissue culture or ethical cultivation sources.

✅ Summary for Aquarium Use:
Crepidomanes micro malabaricum is a beautiful but fragile filmy fern. In aquariums, it is best kept in paludariums, ripariums, or high-humidity terrariums rather than fully submerged tanks. Needs low light, soft water, high humidity, and attachment to rocks/wood. Not a beginner plant – suitable for advanced aquascapers and collectors.