Do you need sand in fuge for pods?

[Ratpack]

I have a fuge section in my sump and a large ball of cheato tumbling in it. Do I need to add sand or will pods just live in the cheato and breed? I really don't want sand in there, but if it helps the pod population, then I can do it.

 

[DaveK]

You'll get some pods just from having the cheato in there, but pods do like hidden places to live. I wouldn't add sand though. I'd use a very modest amount of live rock rubble. Make sure you can easily remove it do you can clean it out from time to time.

Also, consider if you need the pods at all. They are great to have, but hardly a requirement for most systems.

 

[Ratpack]

I added a large piece of base rock last night with lots of holes in it. I realize I don't need the pods, but I want to keep a mandarin so I want the pods to flourish. I am also adding another piece of rock to the DT this afternoon that has the same holey pattern so they can also breed in there.