How did you stock your refugium?

[junkf15]

I just purchased one of those new "hang on" refugiums. I got the 24" long, by 18" deep, by 4" wide version that will hang on the back of my tank. I plan to put 4 to 5 inches of LS in to start, then try to scrounge up some LR rubble, and I would like to find a source of some Caulerpa if anyone is willing to send some to NM instead of through it away (I'll pay shipping). What else should I consider and why? What about Shaving Brush? Does it do anything beneficial? My nitrates are low enough to support my diverse Coral population, but I want to try to get them to 0 like so many people here seem to be able to do. I already have 4" of LS in the 55 gal display tank and close to 80 lbs of LR, but I still have a measurable amount of Nitrates (12 mg/l).
Any other suggestions?

 

[the infamous sea cucumber]

Next time you head over to your LFS to buy something, ask them if they can throw some calpura into the deal. They usually will toss it in for free...at least in my experience. If not, i know there are a few members hailing from new mexio....NMreef comes to mind. You could always ask them....maybe you could just drive to pick it up. If not, my sister goes to school down there, i'll send some with her on the way from michigan

 

[new]

i have 2 blue-leg crabs in mine to help with the detrius that gets in there from the skimmer box.