I've been doing some research on using cryptic zones in place of a skimmer and I'm curious how nutrient export actually happens. Obviously, with a skimmer we physically dump the waste down the drain. With a cryptic zone, sponges and other critters eat the dissolved organics, but nothing is actually removed. What do the sponges produce for waste? Does another organism use that waste and eventually create a cycle back to something fish and corals can eat?
Also, I've read a lot of people saying cryptic zones require no maintenance. It seems like never cleaning them would create some of the same risks that a DSB has. Without maintenance, is there any risk of causing an ammonia spike by disturbing a cryptic zone?
If you have any other opinions or information about using a cryptic zone or other natural filtration methods, I would love to hear them!
Also, I've read a lot of people saying cryptic zones require no maintenance. It seems like never cleaning them would create some of the same risks that a DSB has. Without maintenance, is there any risk of causing an ammonia spike by disturbing a cryptic zone?
If you have any other opinions or information about using a cryptic zone or other natural filtration methods, I would love to hear them!