Is it really true that a Berlin system (LR and LS) only requires a skimmer and no additional filtration? When I set up my tank should I add a power or canister filter for additional bio. and/or chemical (carbon) filtration or will weekly water changes do?

I know of a few systems that run only LR/LS and a larg sump with LS and macro algea in the sump! NO skimmer, NO canister, NO wet/dry! And it work! I don't like running with out a skimmer! I am setting up my 180gal this way but, I am putting a skimmer on it. This is what works for me and may not for others! JMHO

VTEC

PS Welcom to REEFLAND!!!!

[This message has been edited by vtec si (edited 03-03-2001).]

rgoryl,
Welcome to reefland. Here is a moderator on this board who uses no skimmer and a deep sand bed and live rock. http://www.homestead.com/spasse/ Pretty nice set up he's got


JMM


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Remember Fish are alive when we get them, lets keep it that way!!!

Hi there and welcome to Reefland,
It is possible to run a reef this way, but I would highly recommend against it if you are just beginning a reef. Reasons are that a skimmer allows those 'mishaps' that many reefers do in the beginning. Also, you need to understand your tank as it matures, be able to interpret the signs your tank and animals are telling you and be able to make appropriate adjustments to keep things stable, a skimmer helps to do this. When you feel comfortable with your tank and feel that the cons of keeping a skimmer outweigh the pros, then you can remove it. But, also make sure that you understand the alternatives that must be kept to offset the removal of a skimmer, meaning filtration by algae. It is also a good idea to at least have one in case something goes wrong, just a safety device.
Mark

rgoryl, Welcome to Reefland!

The classic Berlin system uses live rocks and powerful skimmers, no sand. The LR does the biological filtration. Nowadays, the current trend in reefkeeping is with the use of deep sand bed(DSB), refugium/macro algae for nutrient export, and also LR and skimmers. The DSB, using proper grain size, is very efficient in denitrification in its anaerobic areas, and is also a host to various fauna that is desired in reef tanks for diversity.

If you're to set up a reef tank you can go by without the use of canister filter, the media in those filters will trap detritus and will only contribute to higher nitrate.

Carbon filtration removes many impurities in the water column which the protein skimmer cannot remove, e.g. yellowing of water and foul odor. However, the amount and regularity of its use is still debatable. Certain brands of carbon have shown that they will actually add phosphate to the water, which we are trying to avoid as phosphate contribute to algae growth. Another concern is that it removes substances from the wter including some useful ones(like iodide), so regular water changes or trace element additions is important when carbon is used for long periods of time or in large quantities.


Gia



[This message has been edited by Baywatch Babe (edited 03-03-2001).]

welcome to reefland. yep, it's true, all you need is a deep sand bed with LS, LR, and a skimmer. Although, I like having some filter where I can add carbon, just in case I need it. But I only turn this on when I have to use carbon (I judge this mainly from my xenia. when they do poorly I like to run some carbon, just as a precaution). Other than that, you're golden! I woudl advise against the canister filter..it just makes things worse if you dont clean it regularly (which will happen). [img]/ubb/smile.gif[/img]

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It seems like the more I know, the less I want to know.

Skimmers are good because a) They foam out the corpses of suddenly dead, large animals such as fish, and b) aeration.



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Four out of five dentists surveyed recommend sugarless reefs for their patients who keep reefs.

Originally posted by Baywatch Babe:
rgoryl, Welcome to Reefland!

The classic Berlin system uses live rocks and powerful skimmers, no sand. The LR does the biological filtration. Nowadays, the current trend in reefkeeping is with the use of deep sand bed(DSB), refugium/macro algae for nutrient export, and also LR and skimmers. The DSB, using proper grain size, is very efficient in denitrification in its anaerobic areas, and is also a host to various fauna that is desired in reef tanks for diversity.

If you're to set up a reef tank you can go by without the use of canister filter, the media in those filters will trap detritus and will only contribute to higher nitrate.

Carbon filtration removes many impurities in the water column which the protein skimmer cannot remove, e.g. yellowing of water and foul odor. However, the amount and regularity of its use is still debatable. Certain brands of carbon have shown that they will actually add phosphate to the water, which we are trying to avoid as phosphate contribute to algae growth. Another concern is that it removes substances from the wter including some useful ones(like iodide), so regular water changes or trace element additions is important when carbon is used for long periods of time or in large quantities.


Gia

rgoryl what she said [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img] If you use carbon it can add phosphates, I would recommend ChemiPure instead of carbon. And Welcome to Reefland. The friendliest board on the Net! [img]/ubb/biggrin.gif[/img]

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Jim - GO HOGS GO!
Visit my NEW Reef Page - http://razorbackfan.topcities.com
Nobody likes a drunk monkey

[This message has been edited by razorbackfan (edited 03-04-2001).]