Seagrass and Mangroves to Improve Your Marine Aquarium: Alternative to Caulerpa and Other Forms of Macroalgae

Seagrass and mangroves, while not as popular as the myriad of caulerpa and other suitable macroalgae choices, they are unique, beautiful and beneficial forms of plantlife from a marine aquarium point of view. Offering many of the same benefits that the other forms of macroalgae do as for photosynthesis properties, seagrass and mangroves go one step further in their ability to trap sediment and efficient utilization of nutrients and pollutants within the substrate for nutrition and water quality, not to mention the beauty that these plants can add to a tank.

Mangroves are termed "halophytic", or salt loving plants that grow in intertidal zones. There are about 60 different species of mangrove though for the marine aquarium hobby, three are commonly offered. These trees can live in salty marshes with very little oxygen rich soil prevails and through various tides. Mangroves are able to absorb oxygen from their roots that remain exposed above the waterline. Their leaves are adapt at removing excess salt depending on the salinity of their environment as a result of tidal fluctuations. Mangroves live in tropical and sub-tropical estuary environments and are an effective means of biological filtration in the sediment layers of the watter-logged and salty environment where they grow. Moreover, these plants are notorious for producing safe havens for birds, animals, small fish and invertebrates as well as they populate the edges of estuary biotopes. Because of this fact, it is extremely important that we don't disturb the mangrove biotope as this would bode a heavy price on the diverse and delicate abundance of endemic life that relies, so heavily, on these mangrove to survive.

As I mentioned above their are really three species of mangroves for a marine aquarium. These are the Red(Rhizophora mangle), White and Black Mangroves. the Red Mangrove is the best in terms of its success and ability to grow completely submerged underwater, however. Because of their unique aerial prop root system and their ability to improve water conditions by working in the benthic areas of an aquarium, these make a fine and diverse addition to an aquarium setting.

Seagrass consists of roughly 58 different species that also populate estuary environments and are often found growing around heavily populated mangrove areas. They have been around for over a 100,000 years, as a testament to their ability to evolve. These seagrass beds can be so diverse, large and thick that you would be reminded of a green meadow or pasture. Being classified as "ecosystem engineers" seagrasses are able to constantly modify their habitat to suit their needs. Their ability to effectively recycle nutrients and pollutants, similar to mangroves, is of great importance to water parameters and just as mangroves provide shelter and protection, seagrass possess this same quality. Seagrasses also are able to contribute pigmented detritus which helps to protect certain corals from the harmful UV rays of the sun. Another thing regarding the seagrasses is the fact that they remain submerged for their entire life and reproduction is done as their flowers are pollinated while totally submerged.

Turtle Grass(Thallasia spp.), Manatee Grass(Syringodinum sp.), Paddle Weed(Halophila sp.) and Eel Grass(Zostera sp.) are the most common and beautiful forms of seagrass available. These vascular plants can offer a diverse and breathtaking aquascape. A moderate water flow is essential in purging detritus and removing old growth. water flow will also release nutritious metabolites and epiphytic matter that filter feeders can then use as a food source.

Pruning old and dead leaves is necessary with seagrasses. Periodically picking off the dead leaves from the base of the plant will help to ensure that you have a thriving collection of seagrass. This also has alot to do with macroalgae such as Caulerpa having the tendency of going sexual if left alone with no pruning of the plant.

When selecting seagrasses and mangrove rhizomes, make sure that the stalk shows no signs of cuts, the tips and runners should not be damaged and the plugs should be present with regards to seagrasses. Planting seagrasses needs to take some dedicated care. You can not just drive the plug of the plant in the gravel, but must dig a small hole for the plug to fit into about 3"deep. Then place the plug in and cover the hole loosely, as this will afford you the best chances of the plant being successfully transplanted.

Mangroves and seagrasses represent yet, another example of being able to incorporate various plant life and animals into a marine aquarium set up. The benefits associated with these vascular plants will help to maintain filtration of nutrients as well by using these nutrients for their success and removing them from your tank. Again, the ability for fish and snails to consume seagrasses for food represents another benefit without realizing it.