Potted Mangrove for Refugium

[herring_fish]

I bought a Rhizophora mangle Mangrove from a nursery by mail. It was about 3 feet tall and in a potting container, (Mangrove - Red American - 3 Gallon). It didn't have prop roots like in the sales picture so I called back in and they sent me a new one that matched my expectations.

Since I had two, I put the first one in the un-heated garage where my 130 gallon refugium is, as a test. Being that I was the beginning of winter here in North Carolina, the plant wilted right away and then died so I kept the good one in my sun room through the winter. My plane for next winter is to use a heating aliment and to put up a barrier to keep the heat in.

Now that spring is here, my otherwise healthy potted Mangrove is showing signs of new stress in the leaves. Water seems to run right through the soil.

I want to transplant it in the refugium but I don't know the best way to do it or if it is even possible. I understand that there is a salinity acclimation process that has to be used.

What do you think that I should do? Can you please help?

 

[rmchoi]

I've read about someone doing this. This person moved a potted mangrove to saltwater with using a 3 month acclimation process. They grew the plant in a pot, which the tree grows much faster, than in water. They transplant the mangrove into water with a small amount of salinity. Over a 3 month period, gradually increased the salinity, until it matched the refugium water. It was mentioned they tried several shorter acclimation periods, but finally successful at the 3 month mark.

 

[herring_fish]

I ordered a new plant and it should be here next week. I will take my time acclimating it. I did read somewhere that they added a capful of salt water per day and it took about 2 weeks for it to acclimate to salt water. 3 months sounds more logical. Thank you very much.