Mangroves:First time set up

[gmpolan]

So i am having some issues with high nitrates lately and i am considering adding some mangroves to my sump to help out. What kind of care are needed for these? and are they difficult to maintain? Will the regular 6500 melsreev light grow these as well or will i need new lighting?

Now i know the usual response and i am working hard at trying to find the real cause, but i cant seem to figure out what it could be.

There are no filters/sponges or anything else that would be considering a nitrate factory.

The fuge has a DSB of about 4 inches and chaeto.

Water changes of 10 to 15 gallons are done every sunday with salinity (pre mixed for 24 hours)

Feedings consist of about half a sheet of nori a day and frozen food/brine flakes/pellets every other day.

Residents:
Gold Rim tang
Purple tang
Yellow tang
Gamma
Goby
2 clowns

Any thoughts?

 

[pufferchris]

The lights you have should be fine I light mine with 2 29 watt 6500k just keep the tops out of water I use a spray bottle and mist the leaves with fresh water every other day and the leaves grow nicely how many do you plan on adding I have about 30 in my 50 gallon reef with some cheato and have 0 trates

 

[gmpolan]

Not quite sure yet...my sump is only about 15 gallons for the time being so i assume like 5 or so and i will up the amount when i go to my 150 gallon. Now do i need a seperate area for them or can i just add them to the fuge?

 

[rolo65]

I only have one mangrove in my fuge/sump I just stuck it down in the sand underneath my clip on fuge light (it's a 6500k from marinedepot.com) and it's been growing ever since....about 3 inches in the last 3 months....it's on a alternating light cycle....one thing you need to make sure you do....is if and when the leaves fall off into the water be sure to get them out before they have a chance to deteriorate....mangrove store all the nutrients in the leaves and they will get back into your tank if the leaves are allowed to break down....other than that they do a good job with "filtration"....I need more but I have cheato and asst other macros in the sump to so not very worried about it....plus they look pretty cool IMO