Setting up my refugium

[MikeRowe2024]

This is my current sump set up, I don’t have the carbon reactor turned on and will mount it this week. The skimmer is still breaking in so the bag is to keep the area dry. (Is that okay?)
I just got some chaeto from a buddy, and want to get a refugium going. Potentially want to get a mandarin in the future so would need pods. My main questions are:
1. Should I add any live rock to the refugium chamber?
2. Will pods be able to make it through the sponge filter? Or is there something else I should put in there?
Thanks

 

[MikeRowe2024]

Added some small dry rock and one of the big live rocks from my display

 

[MikeRowe2024]

Update/Bump
I added some dry rubble rock. My question is, could I lose the foam completely and just stuff that area with rubble?
Also just any general tips would be appreciated thank you

 

[rd62rdstr]

Your skimmer is sitting way too low in the water. You’ll need to elevate it up on top of something to the proper level for it to work correctly.

 

[MikeRowe2024]

Your skimmer is sitting way too low in the water. You’ll need to elevate it up on top of something to the proper level for it to work correctly.

Yeah I got a stand, just didn’t have it built for pictures

 

[MikeRowe2024]

Yeah I got a stand, just didn’t have it built for pictures

It’s sitting 7.5” rn