Definitely not true about having no sand. It is beneficial in lets say, an aggressive fish only setup, or a reef setup which doesn't have any type of "clean up crew"(CUC),(google that too if you're not familiar). The reason you would have no sand in a aggressive fish only system is because 1st of all, fish put out a lot of waste which settles in and on the sand, which in turn creates poor water quality, and 2nd, in an aggressive fish only system, you can't really have a great CUC because the fish in that type of system will eat most of your CUC critters which "clean up", all the leftover waste; hence the name CUC.
Now in a reef setup, we tend to stock "reef safe", inhabitants which basically means they won't harm other fish, coral, or members of a CUC. Well usually they won't. Because of this, we can add a CUC to our reef tanks to aid in cleaning excessive waste produced by fish, feeding, etc...So, it is perfectly acceptable, and even beneficial in a reef system to have sand. Also, you can google a "deep sand bed". This is another option that many people use successfully. I can go on and on forever lol but like other members will tell you, do your research. I am by no means an expert, and I actually consider myself a beginner, but I just read everyday as much as I can, and use forums like this to soak up tons of info.
As for the Berlin method, go for it. It's super simple, cheap, and it works very efficiently. I run I guess what you'd call a multi-method type filtration. I dunno lol basically I run a Berlin sump with a separate refugium. I'll start writing a book here tho if I go on about that! Might I suggest some reading material? The book that got me on my feet with the basic knowledge to run a saltwater tank is called "the complete idiots guide to saltwater aquariums". I got it on
amazon for $0.99! Pick it up I'm telling you! I actually have the old version and the new version which are both great. Another more advanced(and more expensive) book I recommend is, "the reef aquarium volume 3". This will tell you everything, I mean everything about reefing.
Again, don't take my word as gospel, do your own research. And what I said above is not the exact science of it and there is so much more to it than can be said in a couple paragraphs.
I'll include some pics of my filtration systems and of the books.
The above pic is an example of the "Berlin" method. Water drains from the aquarium into the sump, the protein skimmer pulls out dissolved solids, and the water gets returned by the pump to the aquarium. And I definitely have sand with a CUC of course.
My 90 which I use that filtration in the pic above. Nothing special as I said I'm a beginner with coral, but my water parameters are good to go using the Berlin method filtration. I have a couple media reactors too but that's just another thing you'll have to read about!
The above two pictures are of the filtration I use on my 50 gal cube(reef setup). It shows a combination of filtration methods in one. It's referred to as a sump/refugium. With this method, macroalgaes are utilized in combination with several other things to filter the aquarium. Google! Haha
Well I hope this wasn't too much, and I apologize if you knew this stuff already and ive insulted your intelligence, but I just wanted to share a piece of knowledge that will get you on the right track. Good luck
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