Is the Berlin Method the best way of filteration for a reef aquarium? And do protein skimmers skim away reef suppliments such as iodine or calcium hydroxide? If so, is a protein skimmer recommended for a reef aquarium?
Berlin Method
- Thread starter andynguyenandy
- Start date
Boogiechillin
It's ok, I confuse my students too.
The classic Berlin method dicatates using live rock, a skimmer, and a bare bottomed tank. Most people modify this set up to include a deep sand bed (DSB) for additional denitrification. The DSB is an extension of what was called a plenum method to filter a tank. The best aspects of the Berlin method and plenum tanks were combined such that most people use LR, a DSB, and sometimes a skimmer as well.
Skimmers will remove some trace elements from the water, including iodine. However, for the beginner, their ability to keep water quality in control makes for a very acceptable trade-off. Many advanced reef keepers choose to do without, especially those trying to keep advanced corals, but I would recommend that most beginners invest in one from the beginning and decide for themselves.
Skimmers will remove some trace elements from the water, including iodine. However, for the beginner, their ability to keep water quality in control makes for a very acceptable trade-off. Many advanced reef keepers choose to do without, especially those trying to keep advanced corals, but I would recommend that most beginners invest in one from the beginning and decide for themselves.