Micro Mangrove Build

TonyGugino · Oct 31, 2017

a pair of saltwater mollies might be a cool addition to this, since they can be in fresh or salt. You can acclimate them from fresh to salt yourself too!

ewelch · Oct 31, 2017

TonyGugino said:
a pair of saltwater mollies might be a cool addition to this, since they can be in fresh or salt. You can acclimate them from fresh to salt yourself too!

That's a good idea . I've always wanted to do that . And something else the research and learn about !

Thanks!

ewelch · Nov 2, 2017

I love watching new leaves emerge .

Just liked this picture

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

Just quick update . Everything is growing right along . Had some of the macro die off but it looks like it has settled in and is taking off .

Added a trio of Bangi Cardinals that are really enjoying the root structure .

Also getting some sponges and small feather dusters growing on the prop roots .

TheEngineer · Dec 22, 2017

Love it! I've been thinking about a similar idea for a tank I have sitting around. I'm gonna order a couple mangrove pods and start the growth like you did. Where did you order yours from?

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

It has been quite a while since I purchased this as a small mangrove with a couple of leaves . But there are a number of online vendors that you should be able to find some . I would suggest finding one that is already in saltwater as acclimating them to salt from fresh is where I see a lot of people have troubles . I started this one in soil and freshwater and they grow much faster this way . Now that it is in my saltwater system growth has slowed .
I will look back and see if I can find the vendor I bought this one from .

I notice you are in PA too , where abouts ?

Thanks !

Tahoe61 · Dec 22, 2017

Love this tank, really!

Dsnakes · Dec 22, 2017

That looks amazing. I love how natural the cardinals look in that scape.

reefndude · Dec 22, 2017

I loved the idea. You inspired be to do the same. I have some growing in soil now for a couple months or so. They are just now starting to grow new leaves

JohnnyReef · Dec 22, 2017

When you grow mangroves in a pot is a light needed or can you just keep it near a window?

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

Tahoe61 said:
Love this tank, really!

Thank you

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

Dsnakes said:
That looks amazing. I love how natural the cardinals look in that scape.

Thank you . I agree , they really fit the tank

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

reefndude said:
I loved the idea. You inspired be to do the same. I have some growing in soil now for a couple months or so. They are just now starting to grow new leaves

That’s awesome . Just make sure when you’re ready to aclimate it over to take your time . The process for me was about 4 months . I have killed more than one trying to go to fast .

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

JohnnyReef said:
When you grow mangroves in a pot is a light needed or can you just keep it near a window?

A well lit window will work . Also make sure to keep it warm , I would say 70+ .

I grew mine out under a 150w halide , covered the lighting and supplemental heat.

TheEngineer · Dec 22, 2017

ewelch said:
It has been quite a while since I purchased this as a small mangrove with a couple of leaves . But there are a number of online vendors that you should be able to find some . I would suggest finding one that is already in saltwater as acclimating them to salt from fresh is where I see a lot of people have troubles . I started this one in soil and freshwater and they grow much faster this way . Now that it is in my saltwater system growth has slowed .
I will look back and see if I can find the vendor I bought this one from .

I notice you are in PA too , where abouts ?

Thanks !

This build wouldn’t be for probably a year so I’ve got the time. I’d rather have a nice big couple of specimens like yours.

I’m as southeast in PA as you can get in Chester County. You?

ewelch · Dec 22, 2017

TheEngineer said:
This build wouldn’t be for probably a year so I’ve got the time. I’d rather have a nice big couple of specimens like yours.

I’m as southeast in PA as you can get in Chester County. You?

Small little town called Spring Grove about an hour south of Harrisburg .

TheEngineer · Dec 23, 2017

Do you hit up the swaps at That Pet Place?

Sierra_Bravo · Dec 23, 2017

Very impressed with the symplicity and elegance of what you've done. I'm following along. Couple of questions:

What did you do to protect the metal of the stand you used and how is it holding up, esecially with incorporating the mister?
How much siphon effect do you have with your pump off, especially now that you raised the water level with the overflow box? Is there enough room in the 20 to accept the water or do you have some type of siphon break set up?

TonyGugino · Jan 29, 2018

Any update on the full system?

ewelch · Jan 30, 2018

Sorry guys

Sierra_Bravo said:
Very impressed with the symplicity and elegance of what you've done. I'm following along. Couple of questions:

What did you do to protect the metal of the stand you used and how is it holding up, esecially with incorporating the mister?

How much siphon effect do you have with your pump off, especially now that you raised the water level with the overflow box? Is there enough room in the 20 to accept the water or do you have some type of siphon break set up?

The stand is holding up well . It’s very “rough” or antique to begin with so the salt water just added to the effect , lol

There is no siphon break . Took some trial and error but there is enough room in the 20 to account for the extra water when the pumps stop or a power outage .

Thanks!