Berlin Method

Pumper · Mar 23, 2019

How many if you all use this method? I am a firm believer this is the way to go. Well works the best for me. Let's hear something opinions good and bad.

CubsFan · Mar 23, 2019

I think it’s still the base for reef keeping. Live rock and sand with a protein skimmer is pretty much the Berlin method I think. People have just added in things on top. Definitely less rock and bare bottom tanks are more popular. My tank is in perpetual crisis mode. 40 breeder barebottom(recently because dinoflagellates) 40 pounds live rock. Refugium and skimmer. No mechanical filtration. Most of my corals keep growing. Sps struggle.

I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned in recent years is that we want a small amount of nitrates and phosphate.

My most successful tanks were all sumpless and skimmerless. Live rock and sand and macros with softies and LPS. I would overstock those tanks with fish. I always understock now. I think that’s part of the Berlin. I think I need to add more fish.

ReefWithCare · Mar 24, 2019

WWC still uses a variation of Berlin. It’s very relevant and works. Main issue is getting live rock. I still think it’s the best way to start as long as you take time to cure the live rock.

Fourstars · Mar 24, 2019

They had it figured out years ago, all this new stuff is just fluff.

Flippers4pups · Mar 24, 2019

Berlin modded here. It is the base of all reefing.

Even Further · Mar 24, 2019

My set up is a Berlin type. Good rock to water ratio in the DT, aquascapped so it fits the tank shape and doesn't look like a mound of rock. My DIY basic sump has a flow-over filter pad tray, media tray, sizable skimmer, Marinepure block, and a large refugium.

Pumper · Mar 25, 2019

Just live rock and skimmer for me

Mastiffsrule · Mar 25, 2019

Great method. Forces the tank to establish its own ecosystem working in synergy. I think ;Happy

Gareth elliott · Mar 25, 2019

I went completely berlin at first have modified over the years.
Adding and subtracting other filter media to fits what works best for my system. There was still imported live rock when i started so was easier.

Anecdotal at best but never had algae issues till i disrupted the filter feeders in my sump lol. And every additional filter media was added to take their place.