mangroves for nutrient export

[neuroslicer]

I thought I'd grow some mangrove shoots to increase the nutrient export out of my system and make it a bit more interesting at the same time. atlantic reef aquaculture down in the florida keys sells mangrove shoots for only $1 each. shipping is $29 whether you order 10 or 100 shoots, so I thought I'd see if anyone else wants to add to the order. i'll make an order if i can get two or three others to go in with me. mangrove shoots can be placed in the sump (with illumination) in addition to chaetomorpha or in place of it... you don't have to have the roots in sand, just make sure that the leaves are out of the water. you can also wedge the roots of the shoots amongst your live rock and have the leaves emerge at the top of your tank. to complete the export of nutrients, when the plant drops a leaf, just remove it from your tank or sump.
Jay


http://atlanticreef.com/mangrovesmarinealgaes.aspx

 

[iamwrasseman]

they are very slow growing and do not export very much nutrient as a result from their slow growth .the cheato would be so much better unless you want a visual image . they also need to be cleaned or salt creep daily or they will die . i really think the cheato would be a better option . if you do decide to use them you can get a Tupperware container and put some gravel in it to support them in an upright position . i have used them a couple of times and they just were to high maintenance compared to the cheato which grows and exports so much quicker . just my 2 pennies

 

[neuroslicer]

thanks. i wasn't thinking about getting rid of my chaeto... just wanted to add the shoots as well.