I haven't started yet - I'm still assembling tank, etc. My plan is to use a deep sand bed filter with live rock and no bio filter at all (just a protein skimmer and some additional live sand and live rock in a sump). Lots of good google info on Berlin system with live sand and rock biofiltration. My plan is to get the tank and sump running, then add the sand and rock. Shortly thereafter (after more research) I'll add (if advisable) some sand maintenance critters and some inverts. Fish will come last - SLOWLY - after I'm sure that the system is relatively stable.
Fish waste can of course potentially lead to increased nitrate production, which the
LR and
LS should be able to take care of (from what I've read). I want a clown and some cardinals -
NO DAMSELS - and some other cute bottom dwellers, perhaps.
If I can swing it, I want to post some pics, etc., along with info about my progress.
I am building a sump, and plan to try my hand at building a protein skimmer - if it works I'll use it on a quarantine tank and/or a garbage can for curing live rock (my intial rock and sand I'm going to try to cure in the tank - but I'm looking for QUALITY live rock to start, to minimize the time of the curing process. I have to think that even so-called "fully cured" live rock will have some die-off in transit, which will of course reinitiate a new cycle in the tank).
Let me know how you're doing!!