Since we don't have a sump or a refugium, we always placed our red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle L.) plants directly into our aquarium by submersing the root systems in the tank water, after they were precleaned and acclimated, and kept the leaves above the tank lights. We found that exposure to less light for the first few days/week was better. In fact, they grew quite well just from the ambient tank lighting and we never had to add a separate plant light, nor did we ever add an iron supplement.
If you are concerned that your plants may not be getting the light they need, add or increase the lighting gradually. A 40 watt plant light will be sufficient. Don't place the light too close to the plants, as this can fry the leaves. As a test, put your hand between the light source and the tips of the leaves. If you can feel heat, the light is too close! [center]
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