LEW Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 So I have a nano-reef (no fish). I want to make chain of tanks with water in common. I eventually want to have several tanks representing different areas of the ocean. I am contemplating either a mangrove or a seagrass tank next. Or possible one of each. As advanced aquarists or as an interested visitor which do you think would be cooler or more beneficial to the system. I am thinking seagrass since nice biofilms build up on the grass and that in turn feeds critters and coral. Though a nice mangrove is appealing as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcreonx Posted February 10, 2007 Share Posted February 10, 2007 Both of those tank will be very challenging. The mangroves will be 'easier' to keep alive. I had a pretty good sized mangrove tank in Florida, but I did have access to unlimited mangrove seeds and mud from their natural environment. Contrary to popular belief, they do need more than just a pc light above them. I have a pot of them growing on my balcony under full sunlight. They're less than a year old and about 2 feet tall. Under a metal halide or fluorescents, they'd be about 8-10 inches tall at this point, as they were in my tank back in FL. Seagrass is another beast. I did collect alot of grass myself, mostly Turtle grass and Manatee grass. I had a terrible time keeping it alive. Sea grass comes from a very dynamic part of the ocean. The water is usually no more than 10-15 feet deep with great surges and flow. I had a 400w MH and lots of flow in a 29g and didn't have much success. I know "Samala" on reef central has some good info on keeping grasses. If you want true nutrient export, mangroves and grasses are not your best bet. Look into the myriad of macroalgae available. There are some beautiful displays created with just macros. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LEW Posted February 12, 2007 Author Share Posted February 12, 2007 I had no idea that either one was that difficult. I see mangroves on sale fairly often and they touted often. Admittedly the only ones I have seen succeed are in grown in sunlight. Seagrass I knew nothing about. I might still try the mangrove as get plenty of sunlight. But, I am considering a bottle of macro algae. Recommend a particular alga? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thedude Posted February 13, 2007 Share Posted February 13, 2007 I'm partial to some of the red calurpa's often sold attached to rocks. Something a little different then your normal fuge inhabitants. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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