Plant comparison
Chain Sword vs Java Fern
How the Chain Sword and Java Fern compare on care, size, water and temperament, and which plant suits your tank.
By Mike ElmiraUpdated
TL;DR, Chain Sword vs Java Fern
The Chain Sword and the Java Fern come up together a lot when people are choosing a plant, and they are close enough to weigh side by side. Both are happy somewhere around 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so a single tank can suit either one. The Java Fern is the more forgiving of the two, which matters if this is an early tank, while the Chain Sword rewards a bit more attention. In a low-tech, low-light setup the Java Fern is the safer bet; the other really wants brighter light to look its best.
Group compatibility overview
Excellent fit
Every key parameter overlaps and no major conflicts surfaced.
Temperature
- Chain Sword20–28 °C
- Java Fern20–28 °C
pH
- Chain Sword6–7.5
- Java Fern5.5–7.5
Hardness
- Chain Sword2–15 dGH
- Java Fern2–15 dGH
Full attributes
Every parameter, side by side| Parameter |  PlantChain SwordHelanthium tenellum |  PlantJava FernMicrosorum pteropus |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Plant | Plant |
| Origin | South and Central America | Southeast Asia |
| Family | Alismataceae | Polypodiaceae |
| Temperature | 20–28 °C | 20–28 °C |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 | 5.5–7.5 |
| Hardness (dGH) | 2–15 | 2–15 |
| Flow rate | Low to Medium | Low to High |
| Max height | 5–12 cm | 15–35 cm |
| Difficulty | 2 / 5 | 1 / 5 |
| Light | Medium to High | Low to Medium |
| CO₂ | Optional | None to Optional |
| Growth rate | Medium | Slow |
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers to the questions search engines and AI assistants surface most often about this species.
Can you keep Chain Sword and Java Fern together?
Yes. Their temperature and pH ranges overlap around 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5, so one set of water conditions keeps both comfortable. Match group sizes and cover the usual planted-tank basics and they share a tank fine.
Which is easier to keep, the Chain Sword or the Java Fern?
The Java Fern is the easier of the two, closer to very easy, while the Chain Sword leans beginner-friendly.
Do Chain Sword and Java Fern need the same water?
Close to it. Aim for 20 to 28 °C and pH 6 to 7.5 and you're in the shared sweet spot for both. Full ranges are in the table above.
What's the main difference between the Chain Sword and the Java Fern?
Placement and light. The Chain Sword works as foreground or midground, the Java Fern as midground or background, and their light needs differ, which is covered in the table.