Saltcorner
By Bob Goemans
By Bob Goemans
Likely Reef Tank Suitable
Likely Fish-Only Tank Suitable
In the wild, mangroves areas provide an important habitat, i.e., nursery for the very young of very many different water-borne species. They, in turn are used as food for larger animals in the water and those above. Where the aquarist is concerned, consideration must be given to their root system, as it can get quite large after a few years in the aquarium. It could be, as they mature, those roots may stress the aquarium structure itself, i.e., cause a failure of the aquarium by pushing the side panels apart. Furthermore, only un-sprouted seedlings should be purchased. Already sprouted seedlings are sensitive to salinity changes and may perish if placed in seawater of different salinity from which the first leaves appeared. Bottom line, if nutrient export is the goal, mangroves do little when compared to other forms of green or red 'algae.' They are more 'conversation' items than nutrient exporters.
