Refugium

[shelbylen]

Ok so here is my question. I have a 95 gallon ribbon tank. I am running the trigger systems 36s ruby red sump. I am setting up my tank for the first time and currently don't even have water in it yet. Waiting for my ro/di unit to arrive. For my refugium should I put sand in it, leave it bare bottom, crushed coral? I plan to put chatoe in there but what else. My second question is do I put these items in there while I cycle my tank or after. I looked for the answers but could not find any thread that was answering these questions. Also do you have any recommendations on a ATO unit. All the units I have looked at. I can't tell if they are a complete unit or do I still need the pump also? Thanks in advance

 

[chimmike]

live sand can be added. don't use crushed coral.

i'd also recommend larger pieces of live rock rubble. Put it all in from the get-go. Lets the beneficial bacteria kick start.

 

[shelbylen]

How deep of a sand bed would you recommend?