DIY: Small Mangrove Refugium

Red mangroves (Rhizophora mangles) inhabit shallow salt and brackish waters. Their "aerial prop roots," or root systems that grow exposed in and above the water, earn them the nickname "walking trees." In a refugium, these root systems provide filtration, feed on excess nitrites and nitrates and provide shelter for amphipods, copepods and other tiny creature living in the refugium. Even a small 5- to 10- gallon refugium can support one to two red mangroves.

Things You'll Need

  • 5- to 10-gallon acrylic refugium tank
  • Sand substrate
  • 1 to 2 red mangrove seedpods
  • 1 to 2 rigid airline tubes
  • Plant grow light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Line the bottom of an uncovered 5- to 10-gallon acrylic refugium tank with one to three inches of sand.

    • 2

      Tie one or two seedpods to rigid airline tubes. Completely submerge the thick brown bottom end of the pod while leaving the slender green top half sticking out of the water.

    • 3

      Stick the tubes securely into the sand, taking care to place them away from protein skimmers, heaters, filters or other mechanical devices within the refugium.

    • 4

      Place a plant grow light over the top of the refugium.

    • 5

      Move the pod upwards on the airline tube to encourage aerial prop roots once leaves sprout from the mangrove pod.

    • 6

      Remove the airline tube and stick the ends of the aerial props into your substrate when the roots grow long enough to reach the sand substrate while allowing the leaves to hang over the water.

    • 7

      Spray the leaves daily with fresh water to help the plant export salt crystals. According to Reefkeeping.com's Anthony Calfo, this assures healthy growth of cultured red mangroves.