You can certainly mix different species of algae in the same tank. Some are more aggressive oand faster growing than others but with good maintenance and regular pruning it should not pose a problem. I find that a variety of different algaes in the tank works well for me, wether it does a better job than a single algae speices is unknown really but with more than 1 species at least if 1 becomes unstable and goes "sexual", at least the other is still functioning to help absorb any exsess nutrients.
I know of 3 mud brands at the moment 9m sure there are more of course). Miracle Mud, Mineal Mud and Kend Bio Sediment. Miracle mud is the most expensive, Mineral mud was about half the price the last time i looked and Kent is even ckeaper (but was not avalable in my area at the time of setting up).
I do know of people that have mixed mud filters with no ill effects at all. I also know of people that use all these brand names with excellant results.
I placed a layer of aragonite over my mud anf this seems to have worked well. Worm, brittle star and pod growth is excellant.
I know of places where you can p urchase copopods and these seemto do very well. I have never purchased any myself though but i have heard of good results from people who have. SImply put the pods in the refugium with the mud and algae and let em grow.
As for the light i nthe refugium. Whilst many people say you do not need any heavy lihting or special lighting in a mud system, there seems to be mixed results on this. Its true that i have seen mud systems thrive on a simple lightbulb and i hae also seen mude systems do less well under powerful lights but the majority seem to use good marine type tube to provide strong lights over the mud. If you cannot afford this right away then try a weaker light and see how it gets on.
