Back on topic: A few years ago I ran a very healthy setup with nothing more than a dsb, lots of LR and 2 part additives....10% water changes every 6-8 weeks. It was a 72 bow, up for 2 years (had to sell because of a move). I have a skimmer now, more for insurance than anything though. I run it 24/7 but it's tuned way down. my nitrates are higher now but they are dropping.