interesting LFS conversation

[Reefer769]

hey everyone!

well i was at the LFS today to pick up a pygmy angel, and i met this guy that was working, and he seemed to know a lot about marine aquaria. first off he asked me what kind of filtration i had on my tank, so i told him a cpr protein skimmer, and he said then your using the berlin method, and he then told me that for the berlin method to function correctly the protein skimmer would have to be much much bigger then the aquarium, is this true? i havent done much research about this but i am curious now, im wondering if i would need any other equipment to keep this reef? or is the protein skimmer i have good enough? what other methods are there for filtration?

[golfish]

the bigger the better when it comes to skimming.. What size tank do you have? Do you have a sump?

[patsfan1130]

hey everyone!

well i was at the LFS today to pick up a pygmy angel, and i met this guy that was working, and he seemed to know a lot about marine aquaria. first off he asked me what kind of filtration i had on my tank, so i told him a cpr protein skimmer, and he said then your using the berlin method, and he then told me that for the berlin method to function correctly the protein skimmer would have to be much much bigger then the aquarium, is this true? i havent done much research about this but i am curious now, im wondering if i would need any other equipment to keep this reef? or is the protein skimmer i have good enough? what other methods are there for filtration?

The Berlin method relies on live rock and protein skimming as your main forms of filtration. Different variations/additions exist to this ie: calcium supplements,live sand and intense lighting. In all variations however..the use of live rock and protein skimming are always used. The protein skimmer you are currently using is a fine choice for your hex.

So this cat at the lfs is suggesting you get yourself a skimmer suitable for wha? a 100g tank or along those lines? thats ludicrous and a complete waste of money. Yes..you could get a more efficient skimmer but is it necessary to properly put the "Berlin method" to use. absolutely not. The Bak Paks dont rate up there with Euroreef or MRC. but it is a very suitable model for your tank and bioload.

[Reefer769]

well thats a relief. and just for the record its a cube;;

[smpolyp]

From what I read and I maybe wrong he/she is saying the volume of water in your skimmer needs to be bigger than your tank?
Everything put aside lets talk about what is really needed for basics.

Biological capability is needed. This would be live rock and or live sand.
Oxygen to keep the bacteria alive. Your pumps.
And light to feedyou coral and algae.

This is very basic and many factors can be added.

[Reefland]

Just to build on smpolyps recommendations the items listed can be used to run a sucessful reef tank. However some type of nutrient export has to be included; whether through water exchanges, algae export, mechanical export of DOC's through protein skimming or a combination.