Refugium Cycling?

[bunzaroo]

I have had my tank up and running for 1 yr. I am in the process of building a refugium to replace the sump that I currently have. Once it is built and i add the sand can I just hook up the return pump and skimmer, or do I have to let the sand / live rock rubble cycle? If so when can I add the chaeto?

 

[padgett152]

i just did the same thing and just hooked it up. after a week, i added chaeto. it is growing very fast. the only thing you might notice with the new sand is diatom blooms. happens all the time. don't worry, just let it run its course. diatoms are the brownish film that will encrust the sand.

 

[bunzaroo]

Thanks for the feedback, do you have any cleanup crew for your refugium?

 

[Aquarist007]

I agree--no problems just start it up

Actually I have alot of hermits in my one refugium that I removed from my display tank. They were killing off the snails.