mangrove swamp

[kennyman]

After more googling I decided to try the mangrove stream thing for my brackish tank. I dont want trees growing in my livingroom! How hard is it to keep mangrove plants, or should I just get roots to simulate the mangrove plants?

[kennyman]

Does no one in the OVAS grow mangrove plants?

I need to figure out how high these things come above the water line.

Has anyone even seen any for sale here in Ottawa?

[DARKPHREAK]

Mangroves are basically useless in the saltwater hobby.
They are not effective in nutrient export at all. They grow VERY slow and need lots of light not to mention they can get huge like trees!!! plus you have to wash them[mist] all the time.

[Mettle]

So... Taking what Darkphreak said into consideration, I'd probably go with something fake to mimic the root system.  

[NjOyRiD]

yo, use some small tree branches, that will work
just make shure they are dead! cuz they will start to grow back again!

[kennyman]

Still not sure yet. Nutrient export is not really an issue for me since I'm looking at brackish rather than saltwater. I have an established line of plants right now doing ok at 25parts SW to 75parts fresh. Some of them fit the biotype.

I'm seriously concidering Archerfish to go with my gobys. and I am thinking about a home-made canopy to give 12"-18" of space above the waterline to support emergent plants like mangroves.

Its all still in planning stages yet anyways. Its something I want to do  Jan/Feb while im off work for a bit.  I ordered a book last night to help me out, but I was just hoping to get some imput on the practical side of this type of ecosystem.

I may well use sticks and work them into the constructed background. I have some great pics off the net of underwater roots from the Indies. Its l ong way to go yet