 |
...your on-line source for Florida Red Mangrove |
Mangroves in Aquariums
 |
|
Mangroves make an excellent addition to any aquarium, whether freshwater, marine fish only or reef tank. Compounds like phosphate, nitrogen and carbon are readily absorbed by mangroves. This results in a reduction in algae growth and produces crystal clear water for those looking for a "natural" method of filtration. They export the unneeded nutrients through their leaves. It is important when leaves are dropped from the plant they are not allowed to decay in the water. Wiping excess minerals from the leaves with fresh water a few times per week is the only care these filtration systems need. You may need to trim the plants if they get too tall, especially in a sump. Just cut the growth off between the leaf nodes and two new buds should grow from each side of the highest node.Seedlings can be grown in a sump, refugium or directly in any aquarium. They can be floated on top of the water, inserted into a piece of styrofoam. The size of the styrofoam depends on how many seeds you have. A good rule of thumb is one mangrove for every 10 gallons of tank water.
To make a mangrove floating island, poke holes through a piece of styrofoam with a pencil near the outside edges of the block. The holes should be almost the same diameter as the seed shaft. Cut slits narrower than the hole from the outside edge of the styrofoam to connect to the hole. Push the mangroves through the slits until they sit tight in the holes rather than just pushing the mangroves through a hole in the board (side slits will prevent damage to the leaves).
Seedlings can also be planted directly into the aquarium by submersing the root systems in the tank, keeping the leaves above the tank lights. The depth of your aquarium will dictate how long a seed you will need. Since most seeds are 8-12" long this may not be a viable alternative and you may have to float some in styrofoam. We sometimes have extra long seeds available, so check with us. Plant the seeds in the sand or in between rocks in a open topped aquarium, illuminated sump or refugium. The roots will take hold in either a sand substrate or in live rock. The sand should be between 1.5 and 2 inches deep. The top of the water should never be above the top of the seed shoulder.
Mangroves in aquariums will not get as large as mangroves in the wild. They will remain small and should be made to stay small by trimming them. Never pinch all the leaves off. Always leave at least two. The roots will get larger, but you can always trim those back as needed.
After about a month, you may have to re-adjust the skimmer or it will not remove anything. If you use the proper amount of mangroves, the skimmer will eventually become unnecessary.
Don't place lights too close to the plants, as the heat can cook the leaves - 12 to 18 inches is a good rule of thumb. Run the lights 12 hours a day. Test the temperature by placing your hand between the light source and the tips of the leaves. If you can feel heat, the light is too close!
There is no need to add special water motion devices in a sump situation. The flow creating by the water coming down from the tank and going back should be enough. Do not run water from the skimmer and do not run ozone in the sump or you will damage the root system.
Should some of your leaves turn brown, you may have too many mangroves for your size tank, the light may be too close, you may need to trim the roots, there may not be enough foodstuff in the water, or they may need iron. Check with your local aquarium expert to see how much iron you may add.
Click the tree frog to read more...
Please e-mail us to inquire about available sizes and quantites as these change monthly.