Berlin Method

The Berlin Method of biological filtration is a method for maintaining a clean and stable environment within a saltwater aquarium, typically a coral reef system. This method relies on the use of ample live rock (rock with live marine organisms and bacteria on or in it). The theory is that aerobic bacteria covering the surface of the porous live rock and sand convert harmful ammonia (from fish and invertebrate waste) into nitrites, then nitrates, which are much less harmful to the tank's inhabitants. Through the process of diffusion, the nitrates move deep within the rock where they are converted by anaerobic bacteria to free nitrogen gas. Left over nitrates are removed through regular partial water changes. As an added measure, a protein skimmer is used to remove some of the dissolved organic compounds before they break down into ammonia.

The typical rule of thumb is to use from 1-2 lb (.45 to .9 kg) of live rock per gallon (US) (~ 5 liters) of aquarium water depending on the density of the rock – or filling the tank up 2/3 of the way to the top. The benefit of using live rock is fourfold: First, live rock acts as a biological filter, adding beneficial bacteria. Secondly, it introduces an abundance of marine life into the aquarium that many fish, invertebrates and corals use for food. Thirdly, it provides a natural reef appearance with ample places to locate corals. Lastly, live rock will also help balance and stabilize pH in the aquarium.

Calcium, alkalinity and other trace elements which are consumed by corals are replaced through water changes (using natural seawater or a quality synthetic salt mix) or the use of a calcium reactor, kalkwasser (calcium water – calcium hydroxide mixed with pure water) or a balanced two-part solution.

References

Aquariums and fishkeeping

Aquarium types	Freshwater Marine Reef Brackish-water Community Biotope

Aquarium décor and equipment	Airstone Algae scrubber Berlin Method Bog-wood / Driftwood Calcium reactor Deep sand bed Filter Fishcam Fish feeder Heater Lighting Live rock / Live sand Powerhead Protein skimmer Refugium Substrate Sump

Fish terms / types	Algae eater Bottom feeder Coldwater Dither Hardy Painted Tropical

Fish food	Brine shrimp Daphnia Feeder fish Infusoria Shrimp mix Tubifex tubifex

Other concepts	Aquarium fishery Aquascaping Artificial seawater Bath treatment Clean-up crew Disease in ornamental fish Macquarium Project Piaba Quarantine tank Reef safe Spawning triggers

People	Takashi Amano Herbert R. Axelrod Pierre Carbonnier Edward Edwards Philip Henry Gosse Sven O. Kullander William Alford Lloyd Paul Matte Julian Sprung Anna Thynne Charles Haskins Townsend Jeanne Villepreux-Power Robert Warington

Magazines	Aquarium Fish International Koi Practical Fishkeeping Tropical Fish Hobbyist

Companies	Drs. Foster & Smith Eheim Hagen Sera Tetra

Lists	Aquarium diseases Aquarium fish by scientific name Freshwater aquarium fish / amphibians / invertebrates / plants Marine aquarium fish / invertebrates / plants Brackish aquarium fish / invertebrates / plants

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