Is high nutrient flux really the best way for acropora?

[serwobow]

It seems like most of the awesome acro - dominant tanks I see on reef forums are high nutrient flux tanks. That is, the owners of the tanks feed a lot of food (fish food and coral food) and then export nutrients heavily using their preferred export methods. To me, this seems like a waste of food and time - why not just feed a little bit, and then not filter so much? On the other hand, it is impossible to argue with the success of so many high flux tanks. Just wondering what people think about this. Can both work well? If so, why is high flux so common among successful reefkeepers?

 

[Edp251]

It’s a great question. My view is that the high flux rate is mostly utilized by the inhabitants. Fat healthy fish, fat healthy cleanup crew, solid microfauna all thriving on the excess input. most of the excess output of my tank is the resulting waste. Cheers!

 

[this is me]

To me, this seems like a waste of food and time - why not just feed a little bit, and then not filter so much?

Okay. Why don't you eat less and don't poop.
You won't have to buy so much groceries right?

 

[rock-n-reef]

I found the below video from Abe to be a good summary of the nutrition/ heavy-in heavy out approach and should help answer your question.