Documenting Growing red mangroves, I might be insane

[BristleWormHater]

R2R re-post:
This will be where I document the growth of these mangroves until I move them to my tank, from then on it will be my build thread.
Here are the links for part one and two of this saga: Part one, Part two <-These are on R2R
So heres the crazy plan I have made. These mangroves were grown in freshwater so I will be slowly acclimating them to saltwater. Im a saltwater freak, so where do I have freshwater? I have RO water, but that stuff is completely devoid of nutrients! THE CREEK BEHIND MY HOUSE!!!! I passed the athleticism test by getting over my fence and gathered water and soil from the creek, this stuff should have plenty of nutrients for the mangroves! I was told not to do this earlier, because this water could have contaminants, but I checked the EPA website and according to their map, I do not live in a groundwater contamination zone. So if this all goes wrong IT IS THE GOVERNMENT'S FAULT!
Here's the pics so far, yes these will be growing outside!
I might go down in history as the only person to ever grow mangroves in creek water

Figured I would post this on ARC too, this is gonna be fun!
The R2R link is here if you would rather view it there:Original R2R post

 

[chaples55]

Tap water would work just as well lol. I doubt the creek water has significant amounts of nutrients, though you've got the right idea that it's definitely better than RO. Most creeks I know of around here have very clean and soft water. That's ok though because you want the nutrients to be in the substrate for mangroves. I would put a couple inches of organic potting soil in the bottom and cap that with the sandy soil from the creek. I say organic because ideally you want to avoid soil that has wetting agents (at least that's the general rule for soil in freshwater planted aquariums, not sure it matters for just mangroves). Also I would reduce the water level. I've gotten good results having only the bottom 1-3 inches of the prop submerged, especially in stagnant water.

Most importantly, you will need to bring this setup inside for the winter. Mangroves will not tolerate freezing temperatures. They can in theory handle low 40s briefly but ideally should be kept above 66°f. Sitting in a bright window should be just fine.

 

[BristleWormHater]

Tap water would work just as well lol. I doubt the creek water has significant amounts of nutrients, though you've got the right idea that it's definitely better than RO. Most creeks I know of around here have very clean and soft water. That's ok though because you want the nutrients to be in the substrate for mangroves. I would put a couple inches of organic potting soil in the bottom and cap that with the sandy soil from the creek. I say organic because ideally you want to avoid soil that has wetting agents (at least that's the general rule for soil in freshwater planted aquariums, not sure it matters for just mangroves). Also I would reduce the water level. I've gotten good results having only the bottom 1-3 inches of the prop submerged, especially in stagnant water.

Most importantly, you will need to bring this setup inside for the winter. Mangroves will not tolerate freezing temperatures. They can in theory handle low 40s briefly but ideally should be kept above 66°f. Sitting in a bright window should be just fine.

The creek behind my house Is pretty dirty, a tree fell over it so the flow of the creek is very slow now. I bring the mangroves inside every night and I do not put them outside if it's below 65 outside.

 

[PJs_Bucket_List]

Hmmm... climbing a fence to dig up dirt and gather creek water for a gardening experiment. My friend, if you're insane, you're my kind of crazy ! Before the diagnosis and treatment that trashed my health, this is exactly the kind of thing I'd do. I hope it works out beautifully for you. Best of luck, and keep us posted!

 

[BristleWormHater]

Hmmm... climbing a fence to dig up dirt and gather creek water for a gardening experiment. My friend, if you're insane, you're my kind of crazy ! Before the diagnosis and treatment that trashed my health, this is exactly the kind of thing I'd do. I hope it works out beautifully for you. Best of luck, and keep us posted!

Thank you!
Sorry to here about your health
I'll post updates soon, they are doing well!

 

[BristleWormHater]

Thank you!
Sorry to here about your health
I'll post updates soon, they are doing well!

*hear