Hey, John... Can you give some advice on raising your mangroves?

[Rollermonkey]

Thanks!

 

I have good root structure, but no above water growth... Was wondering if there's any way to tell if something's missing or wrong.

[MeepNand]

Mine didn't get much above water growth ever. However, when I used tank lights that covered the mangroves slightly, they did sprout a couple leaves.

You just need to spray them every day or so and give them good light.

[jedimasterben]

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/ac/feature/

 

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2002/4/aafeature

[johnmaloney]

Magnesium levels round 1200, regular misting, and keep them still and you should be fine. Patience is the real trick, you can't neglect them, but you have to be pretty patient with seeds. Then we get they started they grow pretty steadilly from there. If you can do it with your setup, indirect sunlight from a window seems to be about the opitmal amount of light for them. Full sunlight burns them. I would try for medium intensity indoor reef style lighting. A t12 strip from walmart will do the job, but the mangroves will be growing slower then if they were under a brighter light. 75 actual watts floruescent flood lights do a good job. They have better wash then spirals. The package may say "150 watt equivalency" or "200 watt equivalency", but what you will want to look for is the actual watts consumed. Then just go for the natural sunlight color. That works very well for people and it seems to keep pace with an eastern facing window.