Growing plants in crushed coral substrate. (Java Fern/Vallisneria)?

Question

Hello,
I'm looking to build an African Cichlid tank. I've read extensively on Cichlids and know about the ups and downs of keeping plants with them; that is not what I'm asking about. (please answer me about the crushed coral substrate and the plants.) 

I've researched the African lake biotopes and read that two plant types occur naturally with the Cichlids, one being a Vallisneria and the other being the Java Fern. I am wondering if someone has had experience growing these plants in crushed coral substrate. I need the pH to be on the high side (7.5-8.5) and I am concerned that the crushed coral may not be suitable rooting material.

(I've kept aquatic plants before, I had a barb tank when I lived in Canada, but now that I have some experience I'd like to try the brackwater setup, that and I love cichlids...) 

An expert in plants would be wonderful. =)
Thanks in advance.

Little Pirate · Accepted Answer

Java fern doesn't actually like being planted... It needs to be tied onto driftwood or rock, and then it will root itself.  If you try and plant it in the substrate the rhizome will rot and die.  I've had it in highish ph but not that high.  I've heard of it begin done though.  

Not sure on vals, never had much luck with them.  Anubias is also another plant that does well tied to rock and a pretty hardy low light plant like java fern.

Poke around on the site I mention in my source section, there are some great plant gurus there.

Growing plants in crushed coral substrate. (Java Fern/Vallisneria)?

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