[ron101]

I've often thought about setting up a reverse daylight filter in a sump with some fast growing weeds/plants/algae and see how it manages the nitrate levels. However given that my 90gal reef is currently sumpless I can't see trying it out anytime soon.

As far as cranking up the flow, I think you have to factor in the type of fish you have. Some may be ok some may not. I would think that the water velocity required to keep detritus in suspension would be problematic. Perhaps a reverse-flow undergravel setup might be effective though never run one myself.

Personally I think worrying about detritus accumulation in the substrate is a bit overrated. Eventually it all gets mineralized; I just keep up the water changes to deal with nitrates.

My fresh tank is only a 33gal though, if I still ran my 90 that way I would probably be looking for maintenance reductions too.