If you’re struggling with Dino’s (especially Ostreopsis) create the most optimal environment for success. Reduce all the Dino fuel. 😈
1st: ID your Species if possible
2nd: Deploy GAC (if Toxic Species)
Next, Establish Control!
*No Aminos
*No Coral Food
*No Vitamins
*No Liqui-Mud
*Hold Iron Dosing (Subjective)
*No WC’s
*Dose Phyto
*Add Pods
*Add AF Life Source Mud (Subjective)
*Create Stability
*Run a PowerFilter (If applicable)
*Run UV (If applicable)
*Reduce Photo period
*Reduce Peak period
*Reduce White, Red, and Green
(Or turn off completely)
*Minimally Feed Fish
*Carbon dosing can help (Subjective)
*100:1 Ratio (N: 15-20) (P: 0.15-0.2+)
*Dose simple Orthophosphates
(Avoid rich organics)
*Silicate Correction or Induce Diatom
Bloom [2-3 ppm ] (If applicable) [FYI-
If dosing Silicates, Water Glass will
promote or fuel this species
temporarily while you’re dosing)
• Creating a Sodium Sili...
*Correct the Chemistry (Helps entire
Microbial Community)
*Add quality LR if possible
*Don’t siphon the rocks, only blow
them off. (Dino’s multiply to rapidly.
Siphoning removes beneficial
competitors.)
Avoid DINO X.
This was the first time I’ve had Dino’s, so it took me some time to understand them. IMO, removing their fuel is step one. You have to do this in order to gain control. Even with control they linger especially in a dry rock tank with a weak biome. So don’t get frustrated. Know the battle will be long and slow. Don’t give up!
I purposely created a very weak biome initially trying to keep Vermetid snails and other pests out. That’s always been a goal of mine. Was it worth it? Yes and No. After 10 months I have yet to see even one! Honestly, its not really worth the trouble and headache.
If you get Dino’s like I did…Dino’s are among the most devastating pests in our hobby, and some species are very toxic including the species currently in my system. They paralyze your CUC, and different algae species will start to take control. This also gives the Dino's excellent hiding spots, and makes it more difficult to control them.
Edit: Follow the list above. That is how I beat this species. I really feel that reducing the organics and running the Powerfilter + UV was what put the nail in the coffin. Although I had been shifting the balance in my favor for a while. Before they faded out, I noticed they become bright red and were grouping extremely tight. The biodiversity walls were closing in on them, and it was apparent they were fixing to loose the battle. I underestimate nobody....and these guys put up an extremely difficult fight. Glad I smoked them in the end.