I have been using a mineral mud filter (Carab sea mineral mud) for 2 years, 3" -4" mineral bed, algae and 24 hour lighting. I do add suppliments. I seldomly do water changes (a few times a year) and have zero nitrates or phosphates. Everything (sps, lps, softies,zoos,etc)does fine, but I believe a skimmer has its benifits (removing other contaminants and organic compounds) and I will be adding a small hang on skimmer before the mud bed making it a hybred system.Planktonic life is great, my tank gets fed twice a week and all fish are fat and healthy. (I have a pair of realy fat mandarin gobies) Any of my filterfeeding organisms seem to do realy well. I do suppliment once a week (if they are lucky) phyto additions. good luck
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