How much equipment do you actually need?

samuel88 · February 6, 2011

hi guys, i have a question regarding filter systems in tanks.

i've read from lots of books and internet articles that you can run a fish tank with ample live rock, live sand, lots of water movement and a good protein skimmer. (its called the berlin method?)

but i'm a lil confused cause i hardly see anyone using this form of filtration, its always used with wet/dry filters, canister filters, sumps, etc etc. and alot of people say its not enough.

so my question is, if so many books and article say that the berlin method works, why do people still have to use so much more equipment?

Slimymadness · February 6, 2011

hmmm, i am pretty new myself but from what i understand from reading as well as from the pros here, what is paramount in your tank should be the cleanliness of the water. understanding the nitrogen cycle is key in maintaining a successful tank. a wiseman once said: "the key to keeping SPS is simply maintaining good water parameters!"

thus, if u were to question why do we need so much equipment, i think alot of bros here will tell u that they actually dont! many pepople started with many equipments, only to find out that they dont really need them and employ other methods that actually works better. if a single equipment works for you, i'd say you gotta tell us how u did it! but alot of us here will concur this, each and every single day is a new learning experience.

for example, the role of a skimmer is to simply remove excess nutrients such as waste, food and other gunk from the water. an algae scrubber will do the same job if u have done it correctly. thus, some bros here simply go skimmerless and employ other methods of removing nutrients (remember the nitrogen cycle) to ensure clean water.

u mention canister filters, however, it is not very popular in reefing but more for freshwater i guess.

lastly, i believe that the need for more equipment ultimately stems from the fact that as we seep deeper into this hobby, we feel a greater urge to try to replicate as close as possible the natural characteristics of the ocean. and day by day, we see more of the corals that were once thought to be impossible to be kept in captivity. but through advancement in technology, we are truly able to appreciate the beauty of these corals in the comfort of our own living room. if you happen to visit another reefer's place and the fella is a true SPS fanatic, you will know that the tank is really a slice of the ocean, right there in his living room.

so in the quest for perfection, we sought solace and comfort in our dosing pumps, kalkwasser and calcium reactors, praying before we sleep that tomorrow, the numbers will once fall back in line and the little beauties will once again flower.