Drop off lagune reef?

[Mangrov3]

Hi, need some advice and opinions.

Just completed the aquascape for my project and having some doubts.

Originally it planned to have a mangrove growing with its roots growing down the rocks.

Beside the mangrove it would have some macroalgae and some softies.

My doubts now are on the mangrove. How fast will the root system grow and how destructive will it be on my aquascape? The rocks have been glued together, but still..

The tank is an aqua one dynamic 58, so it will fall under the nano reef category I suppose. I'll post some pictures below.

It will be some time before I'll be able to put inside some life. Any suggestions on what type of fish I could put?

I wanted a pair of bangaii cardinal, but unsure now if it will be big enough for to try to breed them. Red spot cardinals or other tiny species that can form a shoal? Also interested in some dwarf goby species, but unsure if species that small could end up in the overflow.. possibly I'll have to remove the powerhead just to be on the safe side.

 

[blaxsun]

Love the vertical rockscaping! Anything that loves caves would love this: blennies, dottybacks, royal grama, gobies, etc.

 

[Bars]

Can't answer your questions, but that's an awesome looking scape!

 

[Mangrov3]

Cheers guys!

Funny thing is that, when I was testing the different options for the scape, the final concept was completely different! Bit once I started putting the pieces in the tank I kinda forgot the order and which one goes where.

At the end can't complain about it since it turned up being even better than the original concept. Looks quite natural and at first glance you wouldn't say that it's made up of many small rocks glued together. There are tons of small caves and and cracks for fish to make it home.

Even if you can't really tell from the pictures, there is tons of space behind the rockwall and that's great for water circulation.

Blaxsun any suggestions for blennies or gobies? Would like a pair of goby + pistol shrimp or a jawfish for the bottom part of the tank. But also something that would stay in the upper part of the tank..

I love Royal grammar but most probably they will be the last ones to go in since they have quite a temperament.

 

[nicksreefs]

Beautiful aquascape! No suggestions for stocking. But would love to know what happens with the mangrove as it grows.

In theory it shouldn't break apart the rockwork as it's easier for the root system through the crevices and cracks.

Could only see an issue if it grows to a fair size and the root system expands and matures but i think given the size of the tank (guessing based on photos here) your issues would be more related to having a dirty great mangrove growing out of the top of the tank before you start having to worry about it breaking apart the aquascape

Was wondering about where you're planning placing the mangrove and what size you're specimen you're adding... To my knowledge (please do correct me if i'm wrong!!!) mangroves normally root in sediment ie sand/mud mix and then contribute to its further build up in tidal estuaries (thus their importance in preventing coastal erosion).

and it's this deep sediment bed (mostly anaerobic) which leads to the famous roots growing out of water look.

have you found a species that doesnt need the sediment / whats the approach??

I m,ention this not to be combative! but only as after my next build which is in the planning stage (cross section from shoreline to deep reef and reef edge with tidal water movement ) im really interested in the mangrove shoreline for a future project and would be interested in knowing how you get along!

 

[Mangrov3]

Beautiful aquascape! No suggestions for stocking. But would love to know what happens with the mangrove as it grows.

In theory it shouldn't break apart the rockwork as it's easier for the root system through the crevices and cracks.

Could only see an issue if it grows to a fair size and the root system expands and matures but i think given the size of the tank (guessing based on photos here) your issues would be more related to having a dirty great mangrove growing out of the top of the tank before you start having to worry about it breaking apart the aquascape

Was wondering about where you're planning placing the mangrove and what size you're specimen you're adding... To my knowledge (please do correct me if i'm wrong!!!) mangroves normally root in sediment ie sand/mud mix and then contribute to its further build up in tidal estuaries (thus their importance in preventing coastal erosion).

and it's this deep sediment bed (mostly anaerobic) which leads to the famous roots growing out of water look.

have you found a species that doesnt need the sediment / whats the approach??

I m,ention this not to be combative! but only as after my next build which is in the planning stage (cross section from shoreline to deep reef and reef edge with tidal water movement ) im really interested in the mangrove shoreline for a future project and would be interested in knowing how you get along!

Sorry for the late reply Niksreef.

That's exactly my fear. As the roots will grow inside the crevices and cracks, expanding with time, with the risk of compromising the stability of the rockfall. And considering the type of aquascape and tank, if a small piece of rock would get loose. It might fall down on the glass..

My initial plan was to get a mangrove seedling and suspend it at the top centre, as below.

The roots would slowly start growing down, seeking an anchor point on the rocks and the substrate.. something similar to this image bellow from Google.

You're right! That's the way they grow in nature. But it's not essential for our tanks. Nowadays we grow plants in hydroponics etc.

For the same reason, as long as you give the plant nutrients, something to anchor itself (so it can grow upwards) it be fine.

Obviously given the opportunity if you can put it inside some mud substrate it would be ideal for it.

OMG!!! I've been dreaming of the same project for ages! But need a bigger flat to build one of those!

Good luck with your project and keep us updated! It will be awesome!

 

[fish farmer]

I would say no to the mangrove. They can take a long time to grow, they pretty much would need a separate light source since they are growing out of the tank and they will eventually shade the aquarium. I think the best looking mangrove tanks are done on long tanks with mangroves on one side and corals on the other.

Your rock work is similar to what I did with my 29 gallon.

 

[Mangrov3]

I would say no to the mangrove. They can take a long time to grow, they pretty much would need a separate light source since they are growing out of the tank and they will eventually shade the aquarium. I think the best looking mangrove tanks are done on long tanks with mangroves on one side and corals on the other.

Your rock work is similar to what I did with my 29 gallon.

Thanks, at the end I had to abaddon the mangrove project. Mainly due to the fear that the root system might compromise the stability of the scape.

Will opt for a zoa garden on the top portion of the tank

 

[fish farmer]

Thanks, at the end I had to abaddon the mangrove project. Mainly due to the fear that the root system might compromise the stability of the scape.

Will opt for a zoa garden on the top portion of the tank

That's pretty much what I'm doing with my tank above the hammers.