Refugium with caulerpa. Before or after?

[noobie]

I am going to have a 30gal. sump and a 10 gal. refugium for my 55gal. FOWLR.
Do I set up the refugium before or after the cycling process?
The reason I ask is I'm not sure if the intense ammonia from the cycle will harm the caulerpa or not.
Thanks in advance!

 

[bang guy]

I suggest setting it up during the cycle (to give you something to do) and then populating it after the cycle.

 

[noobie]

Good idea.
It's funny you mention "it will give me something to do", because my wife thinks I just look for excuses to work on the tank (I enjoy it).
I appreciate the reply Bang Guy

 

[noobie]

Thanks Sammy!
By the way, is there a right or wrong amount of caulerpa I should start with in this 10gal. fuge?

 

[noobie]

How much caulerpa should I use to start a 10 gal. refugium?

 

[broncofish]

About two softball size clumps of assorted macro is what I put in mine. Now it's like 3 softballs but not quite ready for clipping yet.

 

[andygar]

Don't worry if it doesn't seem like enough. If you have 24hr lighting and enough nitrate for it to eat, it will grow very fast. I started with 2 softball size bunches - 2 months later they are the size of a basketball.

 

[noobie]

Thanks you guys I can't wait to get started!