Starting my refugium. Mangroves and what else?

I've seen that light, I think it might of been black plastic instead of metal, for about $40 in some stores here.

What do Mangroves do really? Another form of filtration, more protective habitat for microorganisms? Knowing that they take out Mg making you have to put it back in seems like a pain.

 

"Red Mangroves can remove a large amount of Nitrate in your refugium, as well as chemical contaminants that come from your water or hands." -Reefcleaners.org

Plus they look cool.

I happened to discover the local home depot sells GE plant/aquarium bulbs that say for fresh or salt water aquariums on them. They are like $4 a piece and will fit into a fixture I already have. I figure thats fine for the refugium since I don't particularly care about the color of the light as long as the plants like it. It's out of sight if the plants grow im happy. In my display I will use more expensive lights.

 

very helpful posts. thank you.