increasing productivity of refugium

[philosophile]

So whenever I look into my fuge, I don't see many copepods or amphipods in there. I've seen people talk about how their fuge is teaming with pods and I was wondering how one can increase the "productivity" of their fuge.

My fuge is pretty small. Its a 10 gallon tank for a 30 gal DT. the fuge section shares a heater, HOB aquac remora and intake for my GFO/GAC. The overflow flows straight into the fuge. I know that is a problem, since it produces a lot of flow, probably too much for happy little pods. I socked it, and rearranged the rock to make some areas that would have much less flow (kinda just piled up some rock rubble with a large flat rock shielding it). Intakes on all the pumps are covered with a nylon mesh to reduce the chances of pods being sucked in.

I've got Chaeto in it as well, and some coarse sand (should it be fine?)

Should I feed it? take the sock off?

 

[ziyaadb]

no leave it the purpose of the refugium is not really for the pods but to grow the macro algae to reduce nutrients in your tank. Slowing the flow will help as well as having some LR in there which you have give it time, dont stress about it i would reccomend good lighting for the macro algea