my new MONSTERS to be: Black Mangroves...

[MaddMaxx]

I killed my first mangrove... I knew pinching this one was risky given that it only had a single set of mature leaves. It did try to push out another shoot from the base, but I think it doesn't have enough energy...

Pre-Bonsai'ing

Bon-dying

But the other two I bonsai'ed are doing well! Both are pushing out new shoots...

 

[Tropicalfish34]

Hey I wanted to ask if and when you can fully submerge the plants. Also I want to let the mangrove grow tall and out of the tank but im worried are cats will start eating the fish again what should I do.

 

[MaddMaxx]

I don't think mangroves will survive fully submerged... As for the cats, I dunno man. I'm a dog-guy, so I'd say get rid of the cats... I guess you could try just cutting out a hole in the back of the canopy/lid to let the mangrove grow through.

 

[Tropicalfish34]

So when I get one should I plant it in the tank when its a little taller ther 17" because my tank is 16 and a half inches tall.

 

[MaddMaxx]

So when I get one should I plant it in the tank when its a little taller ther 17" because my tank is 16 and a half inches tall.

The mangroves probably won't survive being planted in the bottom of your tank. They are "marginal plants" which means they grow on the edge of ponds/steams/lakes where the water meets the land, so there roots need water-saturated-soil and the leaves to be fully above the water. All my mangroves are planted in planters/pots which are attached to the back of the tank with suction-cups, which simulates this "marginal" area. If you're interested in getting some planters or plants, contact Hydrophyte (a member here) or check out his website: http://ripariumsupply.com/ and he can set you up with the right stuff, I got all my plants/equipment through him.

 

[Tropicalfish34]

Hey do they develop an intracit root system like that of the red mangrove and what happens when the roots get to big for the planter?

 

[bbonjour]

wow

 

[MaddMaxx]

Man, I gotta get around to updating with some pics... Have got a lot of growth, but its slowed a lot since I moved... Pics this week.

 

[hydrophyte]

That will be great to see some updates.

 

[jlennon]

Very cool set up.