Red Mangrove Question

[beachbumin]

Is there a limit on how many mangrove stalks to use? Currently I have a 28 bowfront with a hob fuge and am adding a 10 gallon sump this weekend. There is a company on Ebay thats selling upwards of 20 stalks. I can make room in the hob fuge for pretty much all of it but I was wondering if there was anything detrimental about putting such a large amount of stalks into my tank. BTW if anybody wants to see ti the item number is 330039232412.

[melosu58]

Cant help you much on them. I have a fuge but I think I think Calerpa is much easier if watched closely.

[beachbumin]

yeah im already running calerpa and cheato but I really like the mangrove stalks. I like the looks and it helps out filtering and hiding pods so thats always a plus!

I don't know about HOB for them. I remember reading that they grow very tall. But, I dont know a thing about them so I will leave it to the experts.

[angelscrx]

HOB for mangroves is not a good idea as they would out grow the HOB fuge. This is probably a better set up.
http://www.mangrovemania.com/mangrove_aquarium.html

There was a picture on the internet once of a guy who had a sump set up next to his tank with mangroves that were almost 3-4 feet tall. It looked pretty neat. If done right you can probably hide the set up to make it look like a potted plant and hide the lines going to and coming from the tank.

[flamingonhot]

If you want to help in filtration, you'll need quite a few. Also, remember, they grow VERY slowly, and take in nutrients very little at a time. Make sure you take all dead leaves out, otherwise it'll just release a big supply of organics to fuel algae buildup and film on the top of your water.

Is there a limit? Not that I could say.

[afishyonados]

Mist down the leaves with fresh water daily. The leaves are the salt export system for the mangrove. If you don't keep the leaves clean, the build-up of minerals on the leaves will filter out the desired light, and result in the death of the specimen.
Not all of the stalks will survive, but you will need a larger body of water for them before too long!

[beachbumin]

Thanks guys! Now Ive got a head full of ideas!! I guess its pretty much between a few different setups in the new bottom sump/fug or try and get really creative and do the "potted plant" idea.

[Skyrmir]

I've only seen a recommendation for 1 plant per 10 to 15 gallons minimum. I have no idea what an upper limit would be, other than to recommend an iron supplement if you go above that.