Cycle a refugium?

[vlondi]

I'm about to start upgrading my system now that I have a little bit of livestock and decided to do a refugium first. I know the basics of it and think I can get everything fairly cheap but am wondering about a few basic things.
First, do refugiums need to be cycled? I'll be using a brand new 10 gallon tank, new pvc pipe, and a new overflow. Hopefully I can use on of my current powerheads for the return flow. I'll also add a 4-5 inch sandbed of live sand.
Also, does it really matter what kind of algae to stick in there? I assume some of it is better for certain things; my main concern is copepod safety/breeding.
Last, are you limited to what inverts to stick in a refugium?
Thanks!

 

[dogstar]

There will not be a cycle because you should not lose any bio orgs and nothing should die if you keep the HOT filter ( .:notsure: if thats what your useing now ) Runing a while after you start the fuge. Just clean all the new stuff good befor running tank water thru it. Have new salt water mixed and ready to add for fuge. Use sand from tank to seed the fuge and put in plants and the pods should breed on there own. After fuge looks healthy , you should be able to remove the HOB filter but again now do frequent testing and water changes if theres a light spike. Do not add any new livestock until your sure tank is stable and then only add slowly... good luck