Brad's ADA 60f Mangrove Tunnel

[brad908]

Would you use soil from the garden or buy a mag of miracle mud and just make sure it's watered often?

 

I'd buy live mud on eBay over ground soil. I'm not a soil expert lol, but I think the nutrients between the two would be way different.

 

Do you put the mangroves in anything before put them in the mud? A pot or anything like that? Or does the mud just hold them in place?

Mud is holding them in place.

[braaap]

Very nice tank Brad. Any thought on putting a few little tetras or something in it just for some movement?

[cnseekatz]

Love your mangrove tanks bro...

[Masamune]

I've been thinking about setting up a tank on my desk at work and may very well do something similar to this!

 

Silly question: You're using marine "live mud" in freshwater. Doesn't that somewhat defeat the point as all the saltwater microfauna is now dead?

 

Aside from that I think starting out fresh is the best way to go for mangroves. Apparently all varieties of mangroves do best in freshwater (even red mangroves).

[brad908]

Week 11

 

2nd set of leaves sprouting now. Thinking about bumping to 20 hours a day and burning out these cheap bulbs that came with the fixture. What's the best 6500k t5 bulb out there?

[brad908]

Try and remember to take daily pics of this one. A lot of change just from that picture last night

 

[RIP Sebastian]

Your patience is astounding. I'd love to be able to do something like this someday, but I just have to patience. How long do you think it'll take for them to fill in the way you want them to?

[brad908]

I should have done a time lapse. 7 hours later:

[brad908]

Your patience is astounding. I'd love to be able to do something like this someday, but I just have to patience. How long do you think it'll take for them to fill in the way you want them to?

At least a year at this rate for the top canopy. I think the roots will be more like 2-3 years

 

__________

 

Might get some fish tomorrow. Maybe a few Mollies as they can live in the slow brackish water conversion.

[RIP Sebastian]

At least a year at this rate for the top canopy. I think the roots will be more like 2-3 years

 

__________

 

Might get some fish tomorrow. Maybe a few Molly's as they can live in the slow brackish water conversion.

Kudos to you, man.

[brad908]

12 hour update

 

 

This one that has been in the background of the one above has been splitting at the same time

[RIP Sebastian]

Just after I comment on how long it takes, things start picking up!

[brad908]

Just after I comment on how long it takes, things start picking up!

There are definitely slight daily changes and when they're splitting, it's hourly changes.

[JR!]

looks pretty good.

[Rehype]

Looking great brad....whats your photoperiod?

[brad908]

Looking great brad....whats your photoperiod?

Thanks man. 5am to 10pm right now

[Rehype]

What's the best 6500k t5 bulb out there?

 

I always loved the GE6500k bulb.

 

Any plans for invertebrates or fish?

[TJ_Burton]

Really dig this tank! Once they get going, mangroves can produce leaves regularly (especially in freshwater) I find. They are by no means fast growers, but set them up right, and they are pretty consistent with their growth.

[brad908]

 

I always loved the GE6500k bulb.

 

Any plans for invertebrates or fish?

 

Not too much thought yet, not sure when the FW to SW conversion will happen. Seahorses crossed my mind, but haven't done any research on keeping them yet. You had seahorses in that old shallow cube, right?

[Rehype]

 

Not too much thought yet, not sure when the FW to SW conversion will happen. Seahorses crossed my mind, but haven't done any research on keeping them yet. You had seahorses in that old shallow cube, right?

 

Yep ive kept them. Seahorses would be cool but tank height would be an issue as well as nutrient export on this sized tank.

[DAP]

What temperature do you keep the water?

[brad908]

What temperature do you keep the water?

Not sure, no heater or thermometer. I'd estimate around 75

[brad908]

Currently splitting :

[smiz]

Every time I plan a new build I have to stumble on one of these tanks....Damn you brad! Back to drawing board. 

[Zer0]

You take some excellent photos there, Brad. Everything is so nice and white and bright, I love it.

 

I really love the placement you chose for the mangroves. Are you going to let them grow however they want, or are you going to guide their growth with wires/rods so they form the shape you want? Either way, I know this will turn out fantastic!

 

Good luck!