Red Mangroves

[kabaliwi]

I've been reading about natural filters to get rid of nitrates. Has anyone ever added Mangroves to their reef tank?

I have an area in the back of my Red Sea Max to add them. Just wanted more experienced reefers input on the subject. I haven't read anything negative about adding them.

http://www.reefcleaners.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=63">http://www.reefcleaners.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=63</a>


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[nickg]

Will they get sufficient light? If so there is nothing negative I know of... You may also want to add another. Try a macro algae like cheato or others..

 

[atlfishes]

It seems to be consensus that they need to be sprayed frequently with fresh water. You'll have to watch for any leaves that fall into the tank. You'll want to remove them or they will release nutrients back into the tank.
Ebay sells them cheap.

 

[j65love14]

Im putting some in my butterfly tank

 

[kabaliwi]

I had cheato and I don't have a refugium. My tank is an all-in-one. So I don't want to risk other types of algae growing off of it again. It can easily makes it's way back into the display and that's a risk I'm not willing to take again.

I read about having to spray/wipe the leaves with freshwater and also keeping the leaves that fall out of the water.


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[stacy22]

While extremely cool to look at, I would skip the mangroves for nutrient export. Macroalgae can potentially remove much more nutrients than mangroves. Also, the prop roots have been known to pry apart aquarium seals.

 

[kabaliwi]

stacy22;912760 wrote: While extremely cool to look at, I would skip the mangroves for nutrient export. Macroalgae can potentially remove much more nutrients than mangroves. Also, the prop roots have been known to pry apart aquarium seals.

Never really thought of that. Good point! Thank you!

 

[wildernets]

I have one in my refugium. It has done fine for the years it has been there. It is smallish but I neglect it horribly. I do not use this as my first line of "natural" nitrate removal though. Macro algae is much easier to rip out an throw away.