Is mangrove particularly helpful in ways that algae isnt?

[MadModder]

Im not scientists by any means but the fact that Mangrove is a tree or bush and not a slimmy, underwater plant, like most algaes, I cant help but think its is particularly beneficial and offers something special to a reef tank.

If this seems kinda vague I appologize, I'm not a very wordy person.

The mangrove will be in the refigium for my wife's tank. She wants dragons breath, Id like to see mangrove but it is her tank. She said if I could show her that Mangrove is unique in some way, I can plant it in the with the the dragons breath.

So if you know about any special properties or benefits of mangrove that other algaes, particularly dragons breather, does not have, I'd like to hear from you and pick you brain a little to help me get mangrove in the sump.

Thanks in advance.

 

[rogeragrimes]

Here's a related previous thread: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2535671&highlight=mangrove

 

[MadModder]

Thanks.

 

[A1t2o]

Mangroves are more aesthetically pleasing and provide root structure in the refugium. You can always go with both. Also if you are putting any livestock in the refugium then the root structure will be very good for them.

 

[Michael Hoaster]

Mangroves are just cool. Maybe it's best to think of them as a decorative invertebrate-beautiful, and with some benefits to the tank-maybe more than we know.

To me, the tricky part of keeping them is that half or more of them is above the water. This makes lighting more complicated. To really do it right, you almost need two lighting systems-one for the underwater residents and one for the mangroves.

It would very interesting to see a system built specifically to accommodate them.

SaltwaterSam has an elegant solution to the problem of above-tank growth-he bonsais his trees. I'm sure he has some thoughts to add to this thread.

I just love the way the roots look!

 

[acebigalowe]

Helpful, but More for aesthetics unless you have a saltwater pond or something. I have seen that work in the past with HUGE mangroves grown from pods. I have some. Mostly for show in the fuge. I think most guys on here would go the macro route for a beneficial plant

 

[MadModder]

Damn. Not what I wanted to hear.

Oh well. Thanks guys.

 

[saltwater sam]

Macros are definitely the way to go if you're looking for purely a functional biological filter. Mangroves definitely do absorb nutrients, but not nearly as fast and efficiently as macros. Growing mangroves is very beneficial for me, because I am obsessed with mangroves. Being able to see them every day is very helpful for that problem.