My mandarin is just as fat as ever, and there is always a bunch of pods running around.  
I also wouldn't cut off the refuge as bugs and/or larvae may hide in there. Eric Bornean says they die after 4 or 5 days without acropora to feed on, but I wouldn't take the chance. Read Dustin's threads closely and do not deviate from the instructions provied. 
		
	
		
		
		
		
			
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				Brad
			 
		
		
		
		
	
		
		
	
	
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