Mangroves

freddy · #1 02-13-2009, 01:08 PM

Just wondering where you bought your mangroves?

Pescador · #2 02-13-2009, 02:35 PM

I bought 2 Little Fishies red mangroves from J&L a few years back. They were already saltwater acclimated and are still going strong in a mud sump.
But I have a feeling something might have changed with import laws.
Anyway here's a link to a PDF by Julian Sprung on Mangroves.

RCFA · #3 02-13-2009, 03:17 PM

They should only be acclimated in brackish water if they were started in brackish water. If the propagules were started in regular saltwater, they should be fine to go directly into your setup. I actually brought back some propagules from a vacation in cuba. Completly above the board and through customs. I declared everything and I had no problem. There were hundreds washed up on the beach a they started to grow like crazy when I got them home.

High tide · #4 02-13-2009, 03:31 PM

I have had a mangrove growing in one of my sumps now for over 6 years. It was easy to grow but I think the key to success is slow acclimation to bright light. I have grown mine under 2 40w fluorescents and it has done fine(obviously slower growth than halide). Also, getting the roots into a substrate and not disturbing, at least, until new growth is observed. I have also seen better success with unsprouted pods versus ones with leaves already. I believe the sprouted ones are more sensitive to light shock. Keeping the top of the pod dry in the beginning seems to be valuable as well, I had one that was getting moist all the time in the beginning...it rotted and died. Hope this helps a little.