mangroves in refugium need insight!

[mwoodruff964]

I have a 8 gallon refugium that I plan on having some mangroves macro algae and some live rock rubble to have some copepods and/or amphipods. My question is should I go bare bottom or go with a substrate with this combo(which is best for inhabitants)? If if sand how deep? Do I need sand for the mangroves to sprout into? If not how to you keep the mangroves secure in the fuge? Also would it be beneficial to put some hermits or any other critters in there?

 

[bamf25]

I had mangroves recomended to me also. I was unsure how well a tree would do under a stand. lol

 

[mwoodruff964]

yea i kinda thought this would help shed some light to others as well

 

[cside]

i have some. they seem to like rubble better than really fine sand as they will uproot in fine sand. i think the propagule has a air sac in it