Mangroves

I have never used them, but have looked into them. They do seem to be an interesting option for extra filtration. The cheapest I've seen then sold for is on ebay. There is a seller who sells them in like lots of 20 for about 20 shipped.

This site was the one I found that got me thinking about it.
http://moon.ouhsc.edu/pwhitby/mangrove.htm

hi Salty! Keep in mind that plants will only remove certain wastes, in particular phosphates and nitrates. They won't remove things such as pheromones and other hormones, which can not be tested for. In fact, it is thought that nitrates are just a proxy for those other, potentially more toxic, waste compounds.

I have seen mangroves for sale on the web as well have seen info on using to control nitrates. I live in FL where mangroves are common on the coast, they get very, very large. I can not see how an average person can grow them without having lots of room.

I use a phosphate reaction chamber to control the phosphates. Be aware of the GPH for the chamber and adjust the speed of the pump or it can change the small rock types pieces into sand. As for nitrates the best way is regular water changes, this is also true for phosphates. But finding the cause of the nitrates is the more long term solution. If you have average levels from fish and feedings that are controlled my non-chemical means, water changes nitrate and phosphate sponges. What readings of the two do you have?