New Dino Theory?

Tuxedo · Jan 2, 2020

I just thought about an interesting theory about dinoflagellates outbreak, and thought bringing it on here for everyone to discuss. Throughout 5 years in the hobby, I never encounter dino in my main tank (knock on wood). However, when I set up a 2nd tank for my wife (10 gallon), we had dino in that tank. The thing I did differently on the 2 tanks were feeding, and I always feed frozen food in the main tank since day 1. Then I decided to drop a few pellets in the 2nd tank because we only had inverts at the moment. Then boom, the dino outbreak in the tank. Until we went on vacation for a week (Reef-A-Palooza Orlando), and then come back and the dino magically gone. Maybe there's something in processed food (such as pellet) that caused this? I don't test nitrate and phosphate to try to figure out the problem. Sure, I do encounter GHA a few times, but that can be taken care off. I understand there are studies and suggestions on the forum about this problem, but this is just my observation. Maybe it's something for everyone to prevent? I'm no scientist or expert to study this, but maybe someone has the resources to conduct more tests?!

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! To another year of reefkeeping.

Scott (Mack) McIntosh · Jan 2, 2020

OK.....here is my dumb question.....what is a dino ? I have had a salt tank always for 45 years. Never without one. ?????

Cory · Jan 3, 2020

Ive often wondered this too. No idea

Greg P · Jan 3, 2020

Have fun

Matthatrick · Jan 3, 2020

@Scott (Mack) McIntosh . Dinoflagellates: There are many forms, but the kind that gives reef keepers fits is a snot-like algae substance that attaches to rocks, sand, power heads, corals and anything else they can latch on to. They are typically brown, long, stringy and have air bubbles. Hope that helps

Scrubber_steve · Jan 3, 2020

Tuxedo said:
I just thought about an interesting theory about dinoflagellates outbreak, and thought bringing it on here for everyone to discuss. Throughout 5 years in the hobby, I never encounter dino in my main tank (knock on wood). However, when I set up a 2nd tank for my wife (10 gallon), we had dino in that tank. The thing I did differently on the 2 tanks were feeding, and I always feed frozen food in the main tank since day 1. Then I decided to drop a few pellets in the 2nd tank because we only had inverts at the moment. Then boom, the dino outbreak in the tank. Until we went on vacation for a week (Reef-A-Palooza Orlando), and then come back and the dino magically gone. Maybe there's something in processed food (such as pellet) that caused this? I don't test nitrate and phosphate to try to figure out the problem. Sure, I do encounter GHA a few times, but that can be taken care off. I understand there are studies and suggestions on the forum about this problem, but this is just my observation. Maybe it's something for everyone to prevent? I'm no scientist or expert to study this, but maybe someone has the resources to conduct more tests?!

Anyway, HAPPY NEW YEAR everyone! To another year of reefkeeping.

Repeat the experiment- feeding pellet 2nd time/ dino / no dino ?