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Treating the Amphidinium Situation Since amphidinium does not migrate to the water column, we can't use UV to reduce its population; since it stays on sandbed, and even migrate into the sand at night, hydrogen peroxide is not very effective against it. Algaecides such Dino-X may reduce, even eliminate some species of dino, but there is no guarantee, not to mention it will likely cause havoc in my already sullied ecosystem. Since amphidinium does not affect corals much, and are of negligible toxicity, There is a tried and tested strategy for amphidinium bloom : silicate dosing. Silicates No, silicates do not kill amphidinium. We elevate the silicate level in the reef aquarium to 2ppm or higher, so that diatoms are encouraged to grow. When diatom population rises, they start to compete with amphidinium and eventually suppress them. When diatom finally drives the amphidinium population to extremely low levels, the silicate level can be slowly brought down, and the diatoms will decline in step with the silicate level. As long as there are other micro-organism to occupied the newly opened niche, the amphidinium problem is resolved. Not only that, we end up with a healthier ecosystem with robust microbe population. This will make the aquarium more resilient against future outbreaks. I'm 2+ weeks into this silicate dosing regime. Outwardly the sand bed looks worse. The brown patches are darker. But microscopically, it's nothing but good news. There is finally more diatom cells compared to amphidinium cells, and the number of amphidinium cells decreased significantly. The following two microscope videos for comparison: IPS_2021-11-09.16.04.36.3370.mp4 Nov 9th. Note the large numbers of amphidinium cells. (400x magnification) IPS_2021-11-23.18.29.04.5110.mp4 Nov 23, notice there are much less amphidinium cells, even as the field of view is wider (200x). Also note the large number of beautiful diatoms. This is not a "solve the problem today" method, nor is it effective against all type of dinoflagellate. There are some pointers regarding silicate dosing, which I will discuss in the next post. Until then, always remember, it's essential to ID the dino before treating them.

Duncan (more than 7 heads) @ $35 Orange and Red Colour Leptastrea fully encrusted on a 5cm disc @ $35 Interested please WA me @9764SixNineSixFour. Self collect at Sengkang West Fernvale Rd S793410 (Opposite Seletar Mall).

+1 on AquaUV 25w for 3ft tank. Bulb life is 14 months

Bought this 2 little fish overflow