Mangrove Plants vs. Protein Skimmer

[Fijikid]

Do Mangrove plants really help reduce the need for a Protein Skimmer?
Below is information that I found from a website that sells the Mangrove plants. Is this really true? Any real-life experience out there?

The Red Mangrove is a marine plant that can be used as a natural method of filtration and means of Natural Nitrate Reduction in saltwater aquariums. Mangroves absorb nutrients from the water in order to grow, and help lower nitrates and phosphates in the aquarium. More and more aquarists are looking for a "natural" method of filtration for their aquariums, so mangroves are drawing lots of attention. Mangroves not only have the ability to absorb nitrates, but phosphates and other organics as well. In fact, they remove organics so well from the water that they act as a replacement for a protein skimmer. When using mangroves you will notice your protein skimmer working less and less all the time. The more the mangroves grow and mature, the more they absorb the excess organics in your water, and the skimmer has less to remove.”

Any thoughts?

 

[reedman]

I would think that for most people you waould have smaller mangroves in small quantities and would still want to run a skimmer. They do absorb the nutrients as advertised, I just don't think they do it quite as efficiently as advertised unless setup in larger quantities. I believe Mike (Mojo) is growing mangroves as a filtration method, but we all saw the size of the skimmer he is now running.

This is a good topic to discuss.

 

[NaH2O]

Hmmm...I thought Mike no longer had the mangroves? - not sure. I believe the problem with mangroves is they are a slow grower, and you might not see a "skimmer replacement" until further down the road. A skimmer will be a much more efficient way at creating good water quality, IMO....but I'm also not saying you can't have both. It all depends on the environment you are looking to create. Great question!

 

[DonW]

Although I dont think they will take the place of a skimmer, they are kind of cool. I'm considering a planter type set-up next to my tank more for novelty and looks. From what I understand is that they grow so slow that you whould have to plant to many. Also you have to keep an eye on them and be sure to catch the leaves that fall before they start to rot.

Don

 

[Fijikid]

Thank you all for your feed back. I will wait to see how it works out for Mike (if he still has some).

 

[Zephrant]

One thing to consider, even if the Mangroves are growing as fast as possible they cannot appreciably change their "intake" in the case of a tank emergency.

For example if you have a coral or clam spawning event, the protein skimmer is right there aerating the water and pulling scum out, where the Mangroves are sitting there fat and happy.

I think Mangroves are great, and want to build a tank that looks like a circular planter for them some day, but I would not view them as a complete replacement for a skimmer.

Zeph

 

[pvillalba]

check this info about mangroves:
http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-12/ac/feature/index.htm
hope that can help you
pvillalba