Please explain in shorthand and simple terms how a Berlin system works. I have live rock and DSB and a skimmer, so what is the next step? Thanks Guru`s.
Berlin system
- Thread starter Tom
- Start date
Hell Tom its so long since i have read up on the Berlin method, but i would say you have covered all the aspects of filtration, you have the skimmer which lessons the load on the bio filtration and the LR and DSB for your denitrification, it all sounds good.
What skimmer are you using?
What skimmer are you using?
Tom the name " The Berlin Method " was coined by German aquarists when they discovered the miracle of live rock and it's benefits.
Out went Under gravel filters, canisters, hang on the back filters, filter floss and all those aids.
They claimed all that was needed was good quality live rock and a good skimmer. This became known as the Berlin method.
We now all employ the Berlin method, but have since discovered a whole lot more such as DSB's etc. So in essence we now run modified Berlin systems if you want to call it something
Out went Under gravel filters, canisters, hang on the back filters, filter floss and all those aids.
They claimed all that was needed was good quality live rock and a good skimmer. This became known as the Berlin method.
We now all employ the Berlin method, but have since discovered a whole lot more such as DSB's etc. So in essence we now run modified Berlin systems if you want to call it something
Tom; the Berlin system in essence is the use of heavy skimming and heaps of live rock.
Good quality live rock.... besides being expensive is not readily available. A dsb is hard to beat...(providing its set up properly)... when it comes to denitrification....pretty much what your live rock does.
Good quality live rock.... besides being expensive is not readily available. A dsb is hard to beat...(providing its set up properly)... when it comes to denitrification....pretty much what your live rock does.
I have Surgeons AM1000 running since sat and my sump is about three months old. I have read that kalkwasser is also required for the system and want to start using it. Is it needed or is my weekly 10% nsw changes enough? My Nitrates are still app. 15ppm and not coming down.
Tom how old is the DSB as they only start maturing at about 2 months? As far as kalk goes yes it is a godd idea to use, i ran it for many years but have stopped got too lazy to set it up every night. What are the reasons you want to run kalk?
Mekaeel
Moderator
nice info on the berlin method anthony & sean.always wondered what it actually meant myself.so i guess almost all of are using the berlin method
Yip seems pretty insignificant now because we all know the benefits of live rock but imagine how those early pioneers were frowned upon.
" Nein, sthrow out zis rubbish under gravel and put in rocks. Zis and a skimmer is all you need "
Now we wouldn't do it any other way
" Nein, sthrow out zis rubbish under gravel and put in rocks. Zis and a skimmer is all you need "
Now we wouldn't do it any other way
Mekaeel
Moderator
agreedNow we wouldn't do it any other way
The DSB is the same age as the sump three months. I wanted to find out about the kalkwasser because I understood it to be a part of the Berlin system.
A healthy mature dsb in my experience can take over a year to reach a fraction of its potential. It just keeps on getting better as the micro fauna population grows.
imo Chalk water should be used 24/7, as your top up water, in all systems... not only Berlin.......NB beware of an overdosage. If your top up reservoire runs dry do no be tempetd to mix chalk and fill up a days evaporation all in one go.....this will have desastrous results....exhausted buffer and massive Ph spike
Thanks Sunburst.
Mekaeel
Moderator
thanks for the tip sean