In yesterday’s AquaNerd Tip of the Day we wrote about using Rubbermaid troughs as sumps or to grow mangroves. We got a few email questions regarding the use of mangroves, so we decided to focus on them for today’s tip. In a nutshell, mangroves act like your common macroalgae in that they take up nutrients from the water. But instead of taking them up across the entire surface of their body, these nutriets are absorbed by the roots. So, when using red mangroves, do not bury their roots in the sand. Instead, suspend them in the water and let their roots grow down into the sand. The roots will not only take up more nutrients when used this way, but they will also provide a great place for small fish and invertebrates to hide.