Hey Sean, if you go to Polly's and they have some grab a couple for me, will ya?
A.J.
My son found a mangrove seed on the beach. It has now sprouted and roots are appearing. I am thinking about putting it in my sump area. I am guessing that it needs sand but will it grow without it?
I did some reading up before I started mine. (Red) I got mine from Reefcleaner.org, (thanks John) which has some good info on growing. From what I read, the tips and roots are very sensitive, so handle with care. Once the seeds start growing roots, the salinity should be fairly consistent (my understanding that is why only seeds are mailed) and only the roots should be in the water.
I used the floating styrofoam method to start them. I used a flat piece about an inch thick and made small holes with a ice pick (just large enough for the lower half inch to inch to be in the water and do it out side or it makes a mess). A grid pattern of holes balances pretty good. I also read they recommend misting them twice a day to remove any salt creep (mine really perked up when I started this) Even some that look like they were dead, began growing roots. I have about 3 inches of roots in 2-3 weeks. Also, try to place them before your skimmer. My skimmer pulls out very little now, I plan to remove it when they are bigger.
Sounds like I need one of these instead of a skimmer for my aquapod.![]()
They handle swing in salinity pretty well, changes in soil are a problem with them. They also need slow acclimation, (like a tidal acclimation), but if you got a seed just plunk it in there. Aquapods aren't the best home for mangroves since they don't have a top for the plant to grow out of.