Keys to beating dinoflagellates

[reefgeezer]

I battled a minor dino outbreak for quite a while. I finally got rid of it by taking several steps.

1. Removed/Rearranged rock to produce an open aquascape to reduce detritus build-up. The tank was already bare bottom, but had the old school wall o' rock aquascape. I had 75 lbs in the tank originally. I now have only about 45 lbs.. It was amazing how much gunk was buried in those rocks. Interestingly, I didn't see a nitrite rise.

2. Replaced old bulbs w/ LED's

3. Added flow in the tank, but reduced flow through sump to about 5X. I am hoping a flow rate through the sump that is lower than the skimmer flow rate will result in more efficient skimming.

4, Made a 50% water change after removing rocks and increased weekly changes to 15%.

5. Did a 3 day black-out immediately after the big water change.

6. Added vinegar and 50% more kalk to ATO.

7. Added GFO on 24/7 basis.

[Jone]

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