How to Get Rid of Dinos in a Reef Tank

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Dinoflagellates, commonly called “dinos,” can cause major issues in reef tanks. These microscopic organisms smother corals, disrupt the ecosystem, and frustrate hobbyists. If you’ve noticed slimy growths or cloudy water, you may be dealing with dinos. Acting quickly is essential to restoring balance. This guide covers what dinoflagellates are, why they appear, and most importantly, how to get rid of dinos in a reef tank.

What Are Dinoflagellates?

Dinoflagellates are single-celled organisms naturally found in marine environments. They often become invasive in reef tanks, forming unsightly blooms that are difficult to manage. Unlike algae, dinos are more persistent and require specific strategies for removal.

Types of Dinoflagellates:

Amphidinium: Difficult to eliminate as they settle in sand and rock, making UV ineffective.
Prorocentrum: Similar to Amphidinium; requires sodium silicate dosing.
Ostreopsis & Coolia: More easily removed with UV sterilization but highly toxic to tank inhabitants.

How to Get Rid of Dinos in a Reef Tank Dinos

Causes of Dinoflagellates in Reef Tanks

Dinos thrive in tanks with imbalanced nutrients, particularly low nitrates and phosphates combined with strong LED lighting. This imbalance weakens beneficial bacteria, allowing dinos to dominate. Understanding the root cause is key to learning how to get rid of dinos in a reef tank effectively.

How to Get Rid of Dinos in a Reef Tank

Identify the type

A microscope (minimum 400x magnification) is crucial for proper identification. Different dino types require different treatment approaches.

Improve Water Chemistry

Maintain a balanced nitrate and phosphate ratio (~100:1).
Reduce photo period and intensity temporarily.
Introduce live rock and corals from mature tanks to boost beneficial bacteria.

How to Get Rid of Dinos in a Reef Tank Healthy Reef System

Use UV Sterilization

Effective for Ostreopsis & Coolia.
Install a high-quality UV sterilizer with a minimum of 1 watt per 3 gallons.
Place the UV intake pump near the sand bed for best results.

Dosing Sodium Silicate (Waterglass)

The key is to introduce a diatom bloom to outcompete dinos.
Mix waterglass with RO water before dosing. Buy 36 ‐ 41% liquid sodium silicate (Waterglass)
For the above concentration, we recommend dosing 0.1mL per 15 gallons (55 liters) of tank volume for 1ppm of silicate.
Target 2-3 ppm silicate levels using a test kit. We recommend Seachem Silicate test kit.

The Role of Trace Elements

An imbalance of trace elements like iodine, fluorine, and zinc can contribute to dino outbreaks. Conduct ICP testing to detect deficiencies and adjust dosing accordingly. Ensuring a well-balanced trace element profile is another essential step in how to get rid of dinos in a reef tank.

Final Thoughts

Eliminating dinoflagellates requires patience and a strategic approach. By identifying the type, balancing water chemistry and biology, using UV sterilization, and maintaining trace elements, you can restore your reef tank’s health. Consistency is key—dinos didn’t take over overnight, and getting rid of them will take time.

Understanding how to get rid of dinos in a reef tank ensures long-term success, keeping your aquarium thriving and free from unwanted outbreaks.

Check out how to get rid of dinos in reef tank- the ReefBuilder`s way: