wet/dry conversion to Berlin

Question
Jen,
I have a wet/dry filter system, the usual one with the bio balls and the pull out drawer for the filter pad. It has the pipes with the slits in it that stick straight out over the pad and the water trickles out of them. I would like to convert to the Berlin system that people tell me about. I understand that I would have to get solid pipes and plumb them so they turn downward and go into a micron bag. Not really sure how to do all that, but I guess I will figure it out. I have been told by some that I can just take out all the bio balls and others say to remove them a little at a time. Any advice would be great and possibly some pictures so I can see what I am suppose to do.
Thanks,
David

Answer
Hi David. From my understanding of the berlin style filter you are to use only live rock, strong water flow, a very powerful protein skimmer and some carbon as a way of filtering your water. The idea is to clean the wastes out of the water before they are converted to nitrate. Taking all the bio balls out at once would be a good idea if you are converting your system at the same time. If you are making little changes over a period of time then take the balls out a little at a time. I don't know any one who uses this method nor have I used it, but I am familiar with it due to tons of reading. I don't have any pictures nor can I find any to fit what you are asking for. I can suggest a good book that will help you. Natural Reef Aquariums by John Tullock may be a good place to start. Good luck and good for you! More people need to try these natural approaches to marine tanks. Too much technology and not enough biology in most systems!