Biology vs. Technology....

[Scutterborn]

I'm curious as to everyones standpoint on this.

There are so many gadgets, supplements, dosers, reactors and such out on the market. Sometimes it blurs the line that enough is enough. "Should I dose or use a calcium reactor" type questions. "To skim or not to skim" and so one. Some folks use Biology ( DSBs, macro lagoons, etc.) to maintain their tanks and some use technology ( CA reactors, bio pellets, GFO, etc).

I guess my question is simple, what is the method you prefer and why?


-Ben-

[350gt]

Maybe it's best with a little of both worlds?


I know Sherita like to keep it simple and it works for her.... And some one like Chris that swears on reactors and biopellets...

This should be a fun topic....

[allan]

Big fuge with big macro and I would classify a skimmer as a biological filtration (waves crashing on the surf).

Still have to dose though to keep calc up and steady. Waterchanges for calcium replenishment only good when your consumption is low. At a certain point, because we keep stuffing coral in a very small container, you have to start introducing calcium and trace minerals.

[Big_Pun]

bio pellets(about 1/2 to 3/4 recommended) a fuge with lots of macro, gfo, carbon. very simple as pellets only need to be topped off every 6 months or more, gfo is easy to swap, macro just needs to thinned out every month. no deep sand be in DT or fuge. I have learned what I need to dose as I only do 20% water change a month. only issue is as my sps colonies have gotten bigger cal demands have gone up so I'm putting in a kalk reactor

[RayAllen]

I have always been more on the Natural side. Have to have a Fuge- Macro, live rock rubble and mangroves. Main display I usually go around a lb of sand per gallon which gives me enough to cover the bottom to about a 1" and live rock of course is the most important.

Other than that I am a big fan of skimmers and agree with Allan, we use skimmer to simulate what waves do on our shores so I consider it man made biological filtration. Can not forget about water flow it carries everything to and from and a tank would be stagnant without it.

[Scutterborn]

I like the natural "Lee Chin Eng" method as well. I've been researching different methodologies and believe I will run a hybrid of all three main types of systems. I've decided against Dr. Jauberts plenum design in favor of Dr. Semlick's style of remote DSB. I will run the skimmer on a daylight cycle. I've got two algae scrubbers in the works to run on lunar cycle in the sump along with the refugium lighting. I will still heavily rely on the "Berlin" method regarding the rock.


-Ben-

[350gt]

Wish I had a bigger stand for a bigger fuge with a little mangrove garden...

[hobogato]

i think it also depends on what you want to accomplish with the tank as far as livestock. an sps dominant tank would not do well if you set it up the same way as a fowlr or softy tank. every tank (and owner) is different in what works well.

[bugj51]

We must use technology. It's impossible to exactly recreate the ocean eco system in 3 to 6 feet of glass. Even the professional aquariums knock years off the life expectancy of animals, it simply not natural. Mainly talking fish here. Corals don't grow if we don't add "stuff".

I also think the technology adds automation which replaces human error and laziness.

[FireWater]

I also think the technology adds automation which replaces human error and laziness.
I agree and disagree with this statement. While laziness or simple error causes the majority of issues folks see in their tanks. I believe that automated technology is the single worst cause of laziness and subsequent human error. It is too easy to set and forget - then you have a malfunction by technology or dependence on the technology doing more than it should.

For me, I have always been able to do weekly water changes to keep my levels where they need to be. I occasionally get a little lazy or busy and skip a water change so I will then up the frequency of small changes to get back on track.

Everyone is different and what works for me may or may not work for someone else. I am a strong believer in planning out a tank for success. It is extremely hard to pass up on all the "gotta have" corals for a tank, but in a long term plan I believe letting a few specimens grow to a large show piece is more appeasing than a bunch of small frags crammed into a tank. That is my opinion though and what works for me.

I have gone back and forth with adding GFO and BP reactors, but have held off for now. On my 120G I do the frequent water changes, run an efficient and quality skimmer, and a fuge.

[bugj51]

I can see what you're saying. If laziness was growing by X it is probably growing by X^10 as technology gets cheaper and more readibily available.

[FireWater]

Something like that. Lol
i think whatever route a person decides to follow there has to be some form of active interaction with their tank.

[rrasco]

I think finding a balance between both is the best. As stated, it all really depends on the system and the keeper. I love automation, but I also love doing *something* with the tank. Then again, I try not to do too much.

For example, an ATO is definitely technology, but a great one to have. It's not that I'm too lazy to top off with RO, it's that the system is more stable with an ATO. If I have to do it manually, my SG is going to swing when I top off nightly, or the next day, or whenever I remember/get to it. Especially with my rimless, there is about 2 gallons of evap per day. I love being able to watch my tank, hear a click, a little water and I'm like, "Hey, my tank just topped itself off." :D

[Mr Cob]

I'm all for biology first...then technology. The basics for all of my reef aquariums have consisted of powerheads, sump, refugium, heater, fans, lights, return pump and skimmer along with the largest fuge possible, lots of live rock and a DSB that is regularly turned in small sections by natural reef inhabitants either in the sump or display. An ATO is also a must in my opinion.

As problems arise I always try to address them naturally first, I almost always stay clear of treatments unless all other natural resources have been exhausted. When things get out of control, only then will I consider adding technology such as a reactor etc.

Frequent small water changes seem to be the cure for many issues.

[rrasco]

Frequent small water changes seem to be the cure for many issues.

I'm actually trying to get onto 5g twice a week to see what it does for my system. I was performing 10g 1x weekly but figured it's easier to do 5g since I don't have to stop my system while doing it. I've also read time and time again that smaller more frequent WCs are better.

[hobogato]

that is what i do on the 250 - 5 gallons twice a week.

[Mr Cob]

I know Ace does twice a week small water changes. I have never been able to do more than once a week.

Though...when we had the MCC tanks up I did small water changes every Monday when we would ship coral, every Wednesday when we would do local pickups. Plus every third Sunday when we had Austin deliveries. I noticed a huge decline in water quality when I stopped this routine.

[Mr Cob]

lol, Ae beat me to his own post.