Mangrove Refugium Tank

Mangrove Refugium Tank

Goal

The placement of seedlings in overflows and small refugiums is a temporary solution at best. While they may grow slowly with limited stimulation of the roots, it is not ideal for long term keeping. Our goal is to reproduce mangroves.

Procedure

1. Collect mangrove propagules

2. Set up refugium tank and connect to main tank

3. Plant propagules in mineral mud

4. Place a numbered tag on each of the propagules

5. Periodically check on the propagules' growth and record the findings each week.

Research

Roots will sprout before leaves. As roots begin to grow and develop, you only need to gradually move the "body" of the plant upwards on the stake. Strong roots will grow thickened and extensively to support the weight of the tree above the water as if there were a tide going out. It usually takes months before propagule's bodies can be lifted completely out of the water with an arched and anchored root system.

Purpose

Measurements

Project Topic

Week 1- Propagule #1-34.1cm

#2-25.2cm

#3-35.1cm

#4-27.4cm

#5-24cm

#6-30.2cm

Week 2-Propagule

#1-34.4cm

#2-25.6cm

#3-35.2cm

#4-27.8cm

#5-24.1cm

#6-30.3cm

Week 3- Propagule

#1-34.2cm

#2-25.7cm

#3-35.4cm

#4-27.8cm

#5-24.3cm

#6-30.5cm

Mangrove Refugium Tank

The purpose of the experiment has been to see how well we can grow these propagules in the controlled environment of the refugium. We are evaluating the growth of mangrove propagules over the course of a five week period. Each week, we take the measurement (in cm) of each prop, and compare them to the week before. With this information, we can tell what rate they are growing at.

We are in the development phase of our project which is to grow propagules in a refugium tank. The refugium allows for common water filtration while at the same time keeping more aggressive fish from impacting the propagules.

Material List

Conclusion

Michala Laufle

Rachel Walters

Sal Barrios

Cole Houser

-Tank

-Pump

- mud/soil

- propagules

- Tags

- monofilament

Mangroves absorb nutrients from the water in order to grow, and help lower nitrates and phosphates in the aquarium, particularly for helping to reduce and control nitrates is not a new concept. However, this is changing because 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. They remove organics so well from the water they act as a replacement for a protein skimmer. At this point in our experiment, what we hypothesized has been correct. We have noticed growth of our propagules but this is only the beginning.