Sump with Mangroves

[xkenneth]

So i've noticed a couple aquarists that grow mangroves in their sumps. Do they really help to reduce nitrates? Is it worth bothering with them?

Regards,
Ken

 

[ryguy]

Mangroves have a pros and cons, like anything. They are fairly stable and will outcompete almost everything that utilises nitrates to grow, plus they look nice too. The downside is because they are slow growing, they aren't great at aggressive nutrient exportation from a heavy bio-load. Chaetomorpha would be my recommendation for a good all-around nutrient export medium.