Growing munchies in the refugium

[JCnflies]

I have arefugium that has a separte section with caleurpa and a slow water curren tht athhas some live sand, too. I think the purpose of that area is to both remove nitrates and grow a bunch of microorganisms like pods so tha they will eventually proliferate in the main tank.

Should I be doing anything to help the microorganisms grow at a steady pace? Do I feed the refugium? Is there anything I should be adding to it that I am not? I leave a light on at night to help the caleurpa grow. I have heard you can even grow mysis in t here - who knows, maybe even ghost shrimp? Thx.

 

[DgenR8]

I've tried the local ghost shrimp, they usually don't last more than a few months. I do feed the 'fuge though, with a few shrimp pellets or other sinking food.
In your system, I would not recommend feeding the 'fuge until you see pods, bristle worms, micro stars, etc to eat the food.

 

[JCnflies]

I have seen amphipods bristleworms are microstars common? I saw some guy on aquabid selling them and wasn't sure if they were the kind of thing that usually cxame in live sand or LR or if you had to seed some to start them going........ thx

 

[DgenR8]

I don't know exactly where my micro stars came from, but I know I didn't go out of my way to get them. I'm guessing they came in with my live rock.
It's okay to feed sparingly, and occasionally if you have critters to eat the food, but keep in mind, that an amphipod fills up on very little food, and uneaten food will do nothing positive for your water params.

 

[JCnflies]

Thx