Mangroves?

[CReyes350]

Anyone using mangroves to reduce nitrates? Do they really work? And were can I get some locally?

 

[Bgsutton]

I think you're going to have a hard time finding them locally.

My experience with them is yes, they do help with nitrates. Only down side to this is, you need plenty of space above the plant for growth and light disbursement. Otherwise, if the light is too close, the heat and direct intensity will burn the leaves and kill them off.

Anyone else have experience with them?

 

[aquaph8]

Mine did great for a while but then just withered away one day, no idea why. I'm sure they consume a little nitrate but I'd consider them mostly for fun or for looks. If you want something for real nitrate reduction you need something that grows rapidly like chaeto.

 

[CReyes350]

Yep, that's what I figured... From what I've been reading people need a lot of plants in the system to really make a difference.

I guess I'll add more macros and experiment with an algae scrubber...

 

[hellfish01]

From what I've read in the past thinking I could use them for freshwater, I found out that Mangroves take the phosphates and nitrates necessary for their growth from the water much like algae, however algae can easily return those back to the aquarium when they get eaten by fish or die and dissolve. With mangroves we can preventing the leaves from falling into the water and dissolving. The older leaves will turn yellow and fall off after time, this is a natural way for the Mangroves to remove the excess salt stored there.