Controlling dinoflagellate algae, commonly known as dinos, can be challenging for reef aquarists. These single-celled microalgae can rapidly take over a tank when conditions allow.
Getting a dinos outbreak under control requires a multi-pronged approach. Here are 9 of the most effective ways to control dinoflagellate algae in reef tanks.
1. Reduce Nutrient Levels
Reduce Nutrient Levels High nutrient levels, particularly phosphates and nitrates, provide prime conditions for dinos to bloom.
Reducing nutrients deprives dinos of the elements they need to rapidly reproduce. Target under 0.03 ppm for nitrates and 0.04 ppm or less for phosphates.
Make water changes with nutrient-free salt mixes. Use activated carbon or a nutrient export media like biopiles to remove nutrients from the water.
2. Increase Water Flow
Increase water flow, they thrive in low-flow areas of the tank. They are easily tumbled and displaced by moderate to high flow.
Strategic powerhead placement to increase overall water movement prevents them from getting a foothold.
Wavemakers that vary flow create even less hospitable conditions. Ideally, have 10–20x tank volume turnover per hour.
3. Improve Oxygenation
Improve Oxygenation Well-oxygenated water helps suppress dino growth. and tolerate poor oxygenation better than corals and beneficial microfauna.
Improving gas exchange at the surface and increasing surface agitation prevents hypoxic, dino-friendly zones.
Air stones, venturi valves on returns, and breaking the surface with powerheads are all effective oxygenation methods.
4. Remove Infected Rocks and Sediments
They can hide deep in live rock and sand beds, seeding future blooms. Removing and sterilizing rocks or replacing sandbeds essentially resets the tank by eliminating these dinos reservoirs.
While disruptive, this thorough approach prevents rapid reinfection. Use bleach, boiling water, or long-term drying to sterilize items before returning them to the tank.
5. Introduce Microbacter and Vibrio Bacteria
Introduce Microbacter and Vibrio Bacteria Several bacterial strains readily consume dinos, including Microbacter marinus and Vibrio harveyi.
Products like Microbacter or Vibrance dose live cultures of these bacteria to control dinos. The bacteria rapidly colonize and prevent dino spores from taking hold. They require daily dosing initially until populations stabilize.
6. Use a Refugium
Refugiums stabilize water quality and provide instant dilution if they appear on the display. Essential microfauna like copepods and amphipods thrive in refugium but help control through competition and grazing.
Effective refugium has ample rock rubble, sand, and macroalgae to sustain higher biodiversity long-term.
7. Improve Filtration Efficiency
Filtration allows excess nutrients to accumulate, fueling algae growth. Optimizing mechanical, chemical, and biological filtration removes nutrients more effectively and improves water clarity.
Add filter socks for fine mechanical filtration. Increase bio-media volume to boost nitrification.
Supplement with activated carbon, phosphate media like Rowaphos, or specialty resin media like Biopellet or Microbacter Media.
8. Eliminate Light Exposure
Eliminate Light Exposure Dinos photosynthesize like plants, so reducing light availability limits growth.
Cover rockwork with coralline algae, run only blue LEDs, which aren’t used efficiently, or install covers over select areas prone to outbreaks. 4-5 days of complete blackout may crash a serious bloom.
9. Use an Algaecide Treatment
Use an Algaecide Treatment As a last resort for severe and persistent dinos, specialized algaecides contain chemicals that inhibit dinoflagellate metabolic functions.
Red Sea’s Coral Algae Control, Brightwell’s Green Cleaner, and Aquarium Solutions DinoX all effectively kill without harming corals or fish.
Follow product instructions carefully, as some can impact sensitive invertebrates like clams or crustaceans with overuse. Limit usage to no more than twice a month.
Final Thoughts for Controlling Dinoflagellate Algae
Controlling dinos comes down to making the tank environment as unfavorable to algae growth as possible while promoting populations of microfauna that help keep dinos in check naturally.
Patience is required as altering conditions slowly pressure without shocking the entire system.
Combining several of these methods, custom-tailored to your tank and dino species, provides the best chance of gaining the upper hand in the battle against reef tank dinos.
Consistency is key; easing up too soon often allows one to recover. Sticking to the regimen eliminates dinos for good, bringing the reef ecosystem back into balance.
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