My experiment with mangroves in freshwater...

[terd ferguson]

I've read on a few places on the interwebz that mangroves are great at reducing nitrates, almost miraculously so. I talked to a couple of reefers who use them and they confirmed this as well. I've heard rumors that mangroves can't live too long in freshwater and I've also heard the opposite, that they do just fine. So I had to find out for myself.

I found a coral shop that sells them so I picked up 6 for $38. They're all aroximately 12" long. Here's how I brought them home.

Then I got a 1/2" piece of Dow insulating foam (the same kind I use under my tanks) and cut holes and slits for the trees to slide into.

I floated them in my sump hydroponics style.

Here's a shot of the roots.

I've had them in there for a few days now and they seem to be doing fine. Time will tell. If these do well, I'll get four more.

 

[JonF]

Very cool idea! How much light are you giving them?

 

[terd ferguson]

Very cool idea! How much light are you giving them?

Right now, they're on the same schedule as the tank, 10 on and 14 off. I plan to switch it up to the opposite of the tank schedule. A reefer guy I know says this stabilizes ph, as it's different with the lights on vs. off. I plan on measuring my ph when the lights first come on after they've been off all night and then comparing that to a measurement taken when the lights first go off after they've been on all day. Then I'll switch the plants' light schedule to opposite of the tank lights and see what kind of difference it makes.

For lighting, I'm just using a 13 watt energy saving "spiral" type bulb. It doesn't give out a lot of heat and saves energy while being bright.

I'm very curious to hear about others' experiences with mangroves in freshwater too. Post up what you've learned and I'd certainly appreciate it.

 

[BIGgourami]

i have a mangrove in my 25 gallon convict tank... as long as you get them from a FW source they seem to do good... i bought one from a reef shop and it almost died when i put in FW.. and opposite for a FW one...

seems to be whichever they were reared in that makes the difference..

i'll try and snag a pic

 

[terd ferguson]

i have a mangrove in my 25 gallon convict tank... as long as you get them from a FW source they seem to do good... i bought one from a reef shop and it almost died when i put in FW.. and opposite for a FW one...

seems to be whichever they were reared in that makes the difference..

i'll try and snag a pic

I bought mine from a reefer shop out of a salt water tank. I put them right in my sump, uh oh.

The seem to be doing fine so far though it's only been a couple of days. How long did yours last that died? Thanks.

 

[the_deeb]

Right now, they're on the same schedule as the tank, 10 on and 14 off. I plan to switch it up to the opposite of the tank schedule. A reefer guy I know says this stabilizes ph, as it's different with the lights on vs. off.

I don't think you need to worry about this. I think that's generally an issue in heavily planted tanks and represents differences in CO2 production vs. consumption by the plants (more CO2 production at night --> higher dissolved CO2 levels --> lower pH of the water). In your case, the mangroves will be using atmospheric CO2 so I don't think they will contribute to dissolved CO2 levels.

 

[zerelli]

I recommend more light.

 

[farawayinn]

not trying to derail your thread. no personal experience with mangroves in a tank, but don't they need a considerable amount of light to thrive? would like to give it a try if indirect sunlight is sufficient. we currently use pickerel rush and other marginal plants with their roots directly in the tank water in an outdoor freshwater aquarium. i think it helps improve water quality and the plants are doing great. is there a difference between the different mangrove species as far as suitability for aquaria? what species are you using in your sump?

 

[terd ferguson]

I recommend more light.

How much?

 

[terd ferguson]

not trying to derail your thread. no personal experience with mangroves in a tank, but don't they need a considerable amount of light to thrive? would like to give it a try if indirect sunlight is sufficient. we currently use pickerel rush and other marginal plants with their roots directly in the tank water in an outdoor freshwater aquarium. i think it helps improve water quality and the plants are doing great. is there a difference between the different mangrove species as far as suitability for aquaria? what species are you using in your sump?

Mine are Red Mangroves. From what I hear, these are the most common sold. I don't know anything about any other species. Sorry.