Sand Bed System

[superluker]

Has anyone ever heard of the berlin system? You put bioballs under the sand cover with screen then put down LS.

 

[tank watch]

I have heard of the term but didnt know what it referred to.

 

[jojo_b]

I've heard of the berlin system. Ran a similar set-up with a FW aquarium. A quick downside is that it's a pain to clean/maintain.
You planning to use it in your set-up, Superlurker?

 

[superluker]

Well, the lady at the LFS said that that is what she runs in her SW tanks. She likes it so much because she never has to do water changes. She has this setup in her DT and most of the smaller tank that she sells fish and coral out of. I think it is setup from the bottom up:
Bioballs
Screen
C. Coral
Screen
LS
It sounds practical, but if you run a sump with a refugium what's the point??? I haven't setup my tank yet. Doing the research first. Has anyone ever used this type of system in thier SB? If so, do you have success or not so successful stories you would like to share?
Thanks

 

[bang guy]

That's a plenum system. It works just as well at removing Nitrate as a deep sand bed.
It is not related in any way to the water change schedule.

 

[superluker]

Is it nessesary or is a DSB just as good and less hasel?

 

[bang guy]

A DSB will have nearly identical results.

 

[superluker]

How much DS and LS should I get for a DSB? My tank will be a 70gal. tall (36.5x18.5x25)? What kind? Where should i get it? How much should i pay?