New Refugium on Aged Tank

[julianeduardo85]

So I have had this 30-gallon reef tank for about two years to which I recently added a small hang on refugium. I filled it with about 2 inches of "live" sand, a few pieces of rock rubble, a ball of chaeto, a brush macroalgae, and some halimeda. The refugium has a slow flow, and came with a power compact light. It's been a couple weeks now and I am now noticing a smell from the refugium. I ordered some amphipods and copepods, spaghetti worms, and extra bristle worms to add to the fuge. I'm wondering if the refugium will go through a mini cycle. If so, can these critters already be added to the fuge or should I wait?

[vyouravi]

I'm new here, but I question the integrity of your "live" sand.

[julianeduardo85]

You're right, and I always question the integrity of commercialized "live" sand such as the one I used in my 'fuge. I bought CaribSea "live sand" based on reviews posted on aquarium forums, mixed with some of the substrate from my old tank to expedite the cycling process. However, definitely let me know if you have any advice as to what the best sand is and where to buy it; most of what I have seen is the IMO overpriced commercial packaged sand.

[vyouravi]

I've never purchased livestock from a local store. I got all my stuff from the popular proven online stores. Anything packed and biologic just seems wrong.