Algae in Refugium Question

[fftfk]

I'm trying to grow a mangrove in my sump. The light is causing algae to grow which essentially does the same thing as a mangrove. I'm ok with this but am hoping for a way to control it. If I stick a couple emerald crabs down there will they eat some of the algae? Anything better to use?

Here is a photo:

Thanks for any help!

 

[Va_Reef]

Emerald crabs, snails, urchins, pretty much anything that would eat algae in a DT.

Keep in mind mangroves aren't really a good way to export nutrients, they are more for looks. In order for them to be truly effective you need about 1 per gallon of water I think.

Don't forget to spray the leaves with distilled water every day or two.

 

[fftfk]

Emerald crabs, snails, urchins, pretty much anything that would eat algae in a DT.

Keep in mind mangroves aren't really a good way to export nutrients, they are more for looks. In order for them to be truly effective you need about 1 per gallon of water I think.

Don't forget to spray the leaves with distilled water every day or two.

Thanks! I know about the mangroves. I'm just seeing if I can grow one at all.

 

[Va_Reef]

Thanks! I know about the mangroves. I'm just seeing if I can grow one at all.

Given proper care, they are very easy to take care of and grow. There are quite a few good articles on having them, which ill link to.

https://reefbuilders.com/2015/10/06/properly-care-mangrove-trees-aquaria/
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/4/aafeature
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/ac/feature/index.php

IMO the two biggest problems people have with mangroves are not spraying the leaves, (or using tap or RODI water) and not checking with the seller to see what salinity they kept their stock at. MOST sellers tend to keep them in freshwater, and once roots and leaves have sprouted can take up to a few months to properly acclimate them to salt water. If no leaves or roots are present, they can go right into salt.

 

[fftfk]

Given proper care, they are very easy to take care of and grow. There are quite a few good articles on having them, which ill link to.

https://reefbuilders.com/2015/10/06/properly-care-mangrove-trees-aquaria/
http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/4/aafeature
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/ac/feature/index.php

IMO the two biggest problems people have with mangroves are not spraying the leaves, (or using tap or RODI water) and not checking with the seller to see what salinity they kept their stock at. MOST sellers tend to keep them in freshwater, and once roots and leaves have sprouted can take up to a few months to properly acclimate them to salt water. If no leaves or roots are present, they can go right into salt.

What do you mean by using tap or rodi water for spraying the leaves? I should be spraying with saltwater? I have been using rodi water out of a water bottle to spray them?

Thanks for the articles?

 

[Va_Reef]

You don't want to use tap or RODI water on the leaves, tap has chlorine that can adversely effect the mangroves themselves, and RODI can actually pull minerals out of the plants (similar to why people shouldn't drink RODI water).

Don't spray with saltwater.

 

[cubbyman60]

Interesting. So, what should you spray them with?

 

[Bradw18]

Rain water maybe??

 

[cubbyman60]

Well, if it's not RODI, tap, or saltwater and we have no rain in the north now...Melted snow.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

throw some chato in there and shade the hair algae.
and youll be happier with snails in there I believe.
ro is fine. Or my wifes orchids would be dead. just dont do every day.

 

[Va_Reef]

No one has heard of distilled water? hahah