Converting reef tank to Berlin Method

[irishjabba]

Hi all! I'm new to this forum, so thought I'd introduce myself with a question. I've got a 75 gal reef tank currently running on a lot of filtration. A large wet/dry filter w/ a built in skimmer, a secondary skimmer, and a HOT Magnum canister filter. The tanks got a live sand substrate and a good deal of live rock.
The tanks been doing real well, corals are growing like crazy! However, I wanted to simplify my tank and go to the Berlin Method, removing all my equipment except either the skimmer or HOT magnum. I plan on removing the bio balls out of the sump a bit at a time over a period of 3-4 weeks, monitoring ammonia/nitrite to make sure nothing goes wrong. Any thoughts or suggestions on this conversion?

Pros/Cons on removing the sump entirely?

Thanks!

[rayjay]

Berlin is my preferred method of filtration and indeed, is what most of my systems incorporate.
I don't believe in using cannister filters except to use them as a vacuum after a major tank cleaning.
For me, Berlin means bare bottom with lots of QUALITY live rock, heavy protein skimming, lots of water movement, and maintaining calcium and alk with Kalk.
I much prefer using a sump as another means of adding water/air turmoil and to make the system more forgiving by virtue of having a greater volume.

[Elmo18]

Hi all! I'm new to this forum, so thought I'd introduce myself with a question. I've got a 75 gal reef tank currently running on a lot of filtration. A large wet/dry filter w/ a built in skimmer, a secondary skimmer, and a HOT Magnum canister filter. The tanks got a live sand substrate and a good deal of live rock.
The tanks been doing real well, corals are growing like crazy! However, I wanted to simplify my tank and go to the Berlin Method, removing all my equipment except either the skimmer or HOT magnum. I plan on removing the bio balls out of the sump a bit at a time over a period of 3-4 weeks, monitoring ammonia/nitrite to make sure nothing goes wrong. Any thoughts or suggestions on this conversion?

Pros/Cons on removing the sump entirely?

Thanks!

Hi! I would not remove the sump. I would do as you said and remove the bioballs over a period of time. The sump is a great way to hide your other equipment, such as heaters, your skimmer, and also can be used for a refugium if you are able to make space in there.

- Elmo