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Old January 5th 04, 09:55 PM
Glenn Serpas
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Default Changing Filtration in established tank.

I've been thinking of changing the filtration in my 75 gallon FOWLR tank to
the Berlin method. Water tests indicate my tank has 0 ppm ammonia and
nitrite. However, Nitrate hovers around 40 ppm. To maintain nitrates at
that level requires I change 20 - 30 gallons of water per month.

Currently I use Under Gravel Filtration as the primary biological filter. A
medium sized canister filter is also used, but is used for chemical (active
carbon) filtration only. In an effort to reduce nitrates, I installed a
Aqua C Remora protein skimmer. However, it only produces 1/4 inch of waste
in the collection cup every 2 - 3 days. I think this is due to the
efficiency of my UnderGravel filter.

Given my setup (live stock is listed below), should I switch to the Berlin
method? If so, what is the best way to switch over to the Berlin Method? I
was thinking about turning the UG filter off. The protein skimmer and live
rock/sand would be the primary source of water filtration. The protein
skimmer might skim enough waste from the water along with the live rock
filtration, to support my live stock. I would then remove the UG filter,
replace the crushed coral with 1" of live sand(For the Wrasse). If
necessary, I could add some more live or base rock.

Live Stock:
1 - Dragon Wrasse
1 - Yellow Tang
1 - Coral Beauty
1 - Bi-Color Damsel
1 - Yellow Tail Blue Damsel
6 - Hermit Crabs
85 lbs of live rock. ( 1/2 of it was originally Base rock a year ago)
Many Baby Sand Sifter Star Fish.
Many Tube Worms
Some Sponges Growing on the Live Rock.

Thanks,
Glenn