Acclimating Mangroves to saltwater

JustinReef · 06/01/2008, 03:37 PM

Looking for advice on acclimating mangroves from fresh to salt water. I know it needs to be slow. I was thinking about 6-8 weeks? Is this about right or too slow, too fast? The plan was to pour a bit of tank water from my display twice a week for the 6-8 weeks until they are in full saltwater. That way they get nutrients from the tank water as well.

Is there a better way to do this?

JustinReef · 06/01/2008, 03:38 PM

I guess I should mention that they are about 14" and do have decent root systems already growing quite well. I don't know if this makes a difference but I have heard they get tough as they grow older.

bluenassarius · 06/01/2008, 08:18 PM

Triterium kept mangroves b4.. maybe he'll chime in w/ some advice.

JustinReef · 06/01/2008, 09:08 PM

Im also wondering what temperature I need to keep the water. Its about 76 right now. I guess as close to the display as possible though.

JustinReef · 06/01/2008, 10:31 PM

A few more questions. I have the mangroves in a bucket of about 4" of freshwater with a heater and a CF bulb. Do I need flow in the bucket? How long should I keep the lights on? Do I need substrate? They are likely not going to be in substrate in my tank, more likely to be in the rockwork.

LJA · 06/02/2008, 04:14 PM

Everything you want to know is....

Here!

Best link for mangroves.

Quick answer to if you need substrate for them at all, they could free float if you wanted.

JustinReef · 06/02/2008, 05:07 PM

Great article but they were not very clear on how many days/months to acclimate to saltwater. Only saying slowly and several days. I have been told about 8 weeks but is this longer then needed?

06/01/2008, 03:37 PM	#1
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	Acclimating Mangroves to saltwater Looking for advice on acclimating mangroves from fresh to salt water. I know it needs to be slow. I was thinking about 6-8 weeks? Is this about right or too slow, too fast? The plan was to pour a bit of tank water from my display twice a week for the 6-8 weeks until they are in full saltwater. That way they get nutrients from the tank water as well. Is there a better way to do this?

06/01/2008, 08:18 PM	#3
bluenassarius retired algae slanger Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Sac ra men to! Posts: 4,843	Triterium kept mangroves b4.. maybe he'll chime in w/ some advice. __________________ half man / half algae ... true story Current Tank Info: tankless, on hiatus until further notice

06/02/2008, 04:14 PM	#6
LJA Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida Posts: 631	Everything you want to know is.... Here! Best link for mangroves. Quick answer to if you need substrate for them at all, they could free float if you wanted. __________________ Word. Current Tank Info: 29G Mixed Reef, 10G Custom All-In-One

06/01/2008, 03:38 PM	#2
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	I guess I should mention that they are about 14" and do have decent root systems already growing quite well. I don't know if this makes a difference but I have heard they get tough as they grow older.

06/01/2008, 09:08 PM	#4
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	Im also wondering what temperature I need to keep the water. Its about 76 right now. I guess as close to the display as possible though.

06/01/2008, 10:31 PM	#5
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	A few more questions. I have the mangroves in a bucket of about 4" of freshwater with a heater and a CF bulb. Do I need flow in the bucket? How long should I keep the lights on? Do I need substrate? They are likely not going to be in substrate in my tank, more likely to be in the rockwork.

06/02/2008, 05:07 PM	#7
JustinReef Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 3,715	Great article but they were not very clear on how many days/months to acclimate to saltwater. Only saying slowly and several days. I have been told about 8 weeks but is this longer then needed?