Mangrove Lighting Requirements

[Johnny Reefer]

Speak of the devil...(or think of it). In planning my new systems forthcoming, (can't think of much else lately), mangroves occured to me last night. Talked to J at the LFS about them today and he pretty much said the exact same thing that Tony said. Take forever to grow, and really do nothing for nutrient export. I'm with Tony, however I think it'd be waaaayyy cooooollll to have some and am keeping it in mind just for that. I also read in one of the library articles that they like indirect MH light....ie: the light off to the side rather than right overhead. Speaking of MH light and refugiums....at the risk of getting off topic and hijacking (sorry Jason)......is MH light overkill for a regular Chaeto 'fuge?

Thanx much and cheers,

[WWWD]

Tony your mangroves probably don't grow much as you have a skimmer as your primary nutrient export. Mangroves I find for the most part are an attractive fuge type plant, they don't supply much in the way of nutrient export (try grape caulerpa if thats your goal). I love mine and plan on getting more when they come back in stock at superstore. Last year we grabbed 4 of them in a pot for 10 bucks. In a year now each one probably has 12-20 leaves depending on size, they tend to drop leaves when they touch the bulb.

[Quinster]

I kinda agree with all the posts except for the slow growth factor...as a filter you do need alot, but as posted...I have alot. Mine have grown at a very fast rate, pruning all the time, roots bigger than my pinky. As for the filtration factor, not sure how much they are really doing, but as for the cool factor, I give them a 10 !

[Delphinus]

Got pics Quinn? I'd love to see what you're doing differently than I am. I've come close to chucking mine (well OK selling not chucking) on account that they're so hopelessly slow to grow.

[Pescador]

Originally Posted by Johnny Reefer

......is MH light overkill for a regular Chaeto 'fuge?

Thanx much and cheers,

My Cheato grows great under 150W DE and I'm also wondering about some mangroves, mostly just for the look of them.

[Jaws]

I decided to go MH because I'm also planning on having a frag rack in the fuge as well.

[Quinster]

Here you go Tony,

These were put in as Pods in June ...there were no roots or leaves then, this pic is taken in August



here is one of the HUGEST root formations...



these are more typical....



and here is the tops as of today....need another pruning...

[michika]

Very nice photos!

I also have two mangrove pods, and they are doing pretty well. I have noticed one thing that seems to make an impact on growth rate, and its natural light. I moved mine into an area were they can get some natural light, and within a few days I had new leaves on both plants.

I also keep my two mangrove plants in my sump, and they are located before my macro algae, skimmer, and reactors.