Skimming through the threads I see that a number of people wonder whether any mangrove plants can thrive in freshwater. I wanted the mangrove look so much that I decided to see what I can do. I bought 30 sprouted seeds on ebay. they were from Florida, and had roots and 2 leaves on almost every seed. after doing hours of research I decided to experiment with they conditions, see which will give me the best growth.
here is the breakdown
brackish
- gravel - fail
- floating - no apparent growth
freshwater
- gravel - fail
- sand - slight growth for some/no apparent growth
- floating - slow growth of the leaves
It should be noted that all of the plants were grown under a 108 watt t5 6700k light fixtures.
It should also be noted that the brackish conditions were mild, approx 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon. The results are after about 3 weeks.
Frankly I think the only thing that I have proved is that these seeds were originally grown in freshwater. but going from that information I then decided to try to grow as much of the remaining plants in my freshwater tanks.
here are the floating plants under the t5 bulbs
more floating plants, installed in the tank to be a mangrove tank. This tank has a repti-glo series 5 26watt compact fluorescent that also functions as a basking lamp for the turtle. the spectrum of this bulb is ideal for plant growth as well. the plants are approx 4-5" away from the bulb... for now.
this is the old setup before the accident
the leaves grew to twice their original size, some have a new shoot, and most look more green.
the old setup had the roots bunched up in 1.5 inch vinyl tube sections to force the roots to grow downward. these tubes were connected together buy a bunch of rubber bands. The idea was to allow water movement through the roots, and protect the roots from the pacus.
my turtle knocked down the suction cup attachment and ripped the elastics and the pacu thought that the leaves make a delicious treat.
So here is the do-over attachment same vinyl tube sections this time joined by zip ties, better suction attachment.
ran out of tubes!
and more on the other side...
for the near future I am building a 12" tall paludarium extension that will act as the canopy for this tank and move all of the mangrove plants to this tank. I will be posting updates on the mangrove progress and will have pictures of the build soon.
freshwater mangroves, no question about it, will happen!
here is the breakdown
brackish
- gravel - fail
- floating - no apparent growth
freshwater
- gravel - fail
- sand - slight growth for some/no apparent growth
- floating - slow growth of the leaves
It should be noted that all of the plants were grown under a 108 watt t5 6700k light fixtures.
It should also be noted that the brackish conditions were mild, approx 1 tablespoon of salt per gallon. The results are after about 3 weeks.
Frankly I think the only thing that I have proved is that these seeds were originally grown in freshwater. but going from that information I then decided to try to grow as much of the remaining plants in my freshwater tanks.
here are the floating plants under the t5 bulbs
more floating plants, installed in the tank to be a mangrove tank. This tank has a repti-glo series 5 26watt compact fluorescent that also functions as a basking lamp for the turtle. the spectrum of this bulb is ideal for plant growth as well. the plants are approx 4-5" away from the bulb... for now.
this is the old setup before the accident
the leaves grew to twice their original size, some have a new shoot, and most look more green.
the old setup had the roots bunched up in 1.5 inch vinyl tube sections to force the roots to grow downward. these tubes were connected together buy a bunch of rubber bands. The idea was to allow water movement through the roots, and protect the roots from the pacus.
my turtle knocked down the suction cup attachment and ripped the elastics and the pacu thought that the leaves make a delicious treat.
So here is the do-over attachment same vinyl tube sections this time joined by zip ties, better suction attachment.
ran out of tubes!
and more on the other side...
for the near future I am building a 12" tall paludarium extension that will act as the canopy for this tank and move all of the mangrove plants to this tank. I will be posting updates on the mangrove progress and will have pictures of the build soon.
freshwater mangroves, no question about it, will happen!
