![\"Dinoflagellates](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/dinoflagelles.jpg\")
<\/figure>Dinophytes<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAlso known as Dinophytes<\/strong><\/strong>, they belong to the phytoflagellate<\/strong> family. <\/p>\n\n\n\nPhytoflagellates are aquatic microorganisms with flagella, a form of flagellates from the protozoan branch but possessing plant characteristics that attribute them an algal status (Phytoplankton).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>\n\nDinoflagellates have two flagella that allow them to move either vertically or in circles like a spinning top. The term “dinos” comes from the Greek “tournoiement” (whirling), which easily represents the movement observed under the microscope, and from the Latin flagellum<\/em>, “whip.” Literally, dinoflagellate means “whirling flagellum.” <\/p>\n\nApproximately 3000 species are currently known, and new ones are regularly discovered. <\/p>\n\n
Why are dinoflagellates dangerous in our aquariums?<\/h2>\n\n
While dinoflagellates are responsible for the famous red tides observed on coastlines, in a reef aquarium, they can become a real problem leading to its crash.<\/p>\n\n
They will have an unsightly appearance with layers covering the sand, rocks, and even corals.<\/p>\n\n
Beyond the visual aspect, a proliferation of dinoflagellates will suffocate rocks and corals. The result is undeniable: corals will necrose, and the reef aquarist risks losing most of the aquarium’s corals. <\/p>\n\n
In the case of toxic dinoflagellate proliferation, living organisms that consume phytoplankton will also absorb them and be poisoned by their toxins, thus causing death. <\/p>\n\n
Grazing snails, sea urchins, and a large part of the microfauna will die. This will lead to a collapse of the tank’s ecosystem and the dreaded aquarium crash. <\/p>\n\nIn a reef aquarium, the presence of toxic dinoflagellates will destroy a large part of the zooplankton<\/a>. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\nIdentifying Dinoflagellates<\/h2>\n\n
To re-balance the reef biotope, it will be necessary to properly identify the presence of dinoflagellates in order to make adjustments to eradicate them. <\/p>\n\n
![\"Dinoflagellates\"](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/Dinoflagelles.jpg\")
<\/figure>\nGenerally, dinoflagellates do not arrive alone in a reef aquarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They can come from live rock or when adding a new coral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some minority species are toxic; they appear mainly when the environment is unbalanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Non-toxic species can be eaten by both fish and snails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Photo: Dinoflagellate under microscope by Nicolas Mazo<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
<\/div>\n\nIn a reef aquarium, dinoflagellates are often confused with diatoms<\/a>. Dinoflagellates tend to clump together, forming larger aggregates. In the presence of diatoms, they will disperse (like a cloud of dust) if disturbed. <\/p>\n\nThe cell wall of dinoflagellates contains cellulose, unlike diatoms, which are composed of silica. <\/p>\n\n
\nTo do: mix a little 3% hydrogen peroxide with the sample, then observe under a microscope. In the presence of diatoms, the hydrogen peroxide will destroy the organic matter, leaving only the diatom skeletons with very beautiful shapes. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
Only microscopic observation will confirm their presence. Indeed, they do not have skeletons, unlike diatoms.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n\nSome toxic dinoflagellates in the aquarium: <\/h3>\n\nOstreopsis spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"Dinoflagellates](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/ostreopsis-ovata.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nDinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis are very common in aquariums and spread rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Easily identifiable under the microscope, they move and spin in circles. They produce toxins that can be ingested by animals and are therefore toxic to the aquarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They are capable of producing palytoxin analogs, a powerful vasoconstrictor considered one of the most potent non-peptidic toxic substances known. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Dinophysis spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"Dinoflagellates](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Dinophysis_acuta.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nThis species has an armored body called a “theca.” Dinophysis has an oblong shape almost resembling a rotifer but is distinguished by double collars (called cingulum) around the top of the cell and another wing (called sulcus) descending vertically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Size varies from 50 to 95 \u00b5m in length and 40 to 60 \u00b5m in dorso-ventral width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They produce toxic substances that cause red tides, leading to widespread infection of <\/a>crustaceans, mussels, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nAlexandrium spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"Dinoflagellates](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Alexandrium_catenella-365x365-1.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nDinoflagellates of the Alexandrium species can produce paralytic neurotoxins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
They accumulate in shellfish and cause poisoning in consumers, with potentially lethal effects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Gymnodinium spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n![\"Dinoflagellates](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/Gymnodinium-spp.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\nGymnodinium can be brown-yellow, green, and colorless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
They release toxins dangerous to aquarium inhabitants. They can cause necrosis on fish gills and destroy zooplankton that ingest them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n
Be careful, the use of chemical “anti-dino” products will be catastrophic in the case of toxic dinoflagellates. The product will eliminate them BUT the toxins they release to defend themselves will kill some of the living organisms in the aquarium<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\nActivated carbon should be used to absorb toxins and thus limit losses. However, since the carbon will also absorb the product used, not all dinoflagellates will be eliminated. The imbalance of the biotope caused by the product’s use will further promote their spread. <\/p>\n\n
Solutions to Combat Dinoflagellates<\/h2>\n\n
Dinoflagellates, like cyanobacteria<\/a>, are present in all aquariums. However, they thrive in very nutrient-poor environments with nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) levels close to zero. <\/p>\n\nA dinoflagellate proliferation always results from an imbalance in the tank.
If your aquarium is very young, in its startup phase, or oligotrophic<\/strong> (phosphates Po4 and nitrates No3 close to zero), dinoflagellates are not outcompeted by other algae. <\/p>\n\nAs food competition will be very low, dinoflagellates will reproduce more easily, and they will spread.<\/p>\n\n
\nWater that is too clean is conducive to the appearance and spread of dinoflagellates. Maintaining NO3 and PO4 levels above zero will be essential. Ideally, maintain PO4 levels between 0.06 and 0.1 and NO3 levels between 5 and 10. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n
Quick solutions to implement: <\/h3>\n\n\n- Manually siphon the surface to remove a large portion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increase the tank’s redox potential<\/strong> by adding 3% hydrogen peroxide: 1ml per 40 liters daily. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add activated carbon to absorb all released toxins<\/strong>. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Modification of Maintenance Parameters<\/h4>\n\n\n- Increase salinity; algae do not appreciate an increase in salinity, and corals easily accept the increase.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Dinoflagellates are brown algae; they utilize a lot of blue light. A complementary solution would be to modify the spectrum to reduce blue light. A white spectrum will promote the growth of other algae and will not impact coral growth. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Increase the photoperiod so that other algae can compete, take over, and outcompete dinoflagellates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Ideally, set up a refugium and illuminate it for a longer period to directly compete with the dinoflagellates in the tank.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Natural Solutions to Add to Eliminate Dinoflagellates:<\/h4>\n\n\n- Feed a little more to enrich the environment (if the tank is oligotrophic).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add copepods<\/a> that will eat non-toxic dinoflagellates (in the presence of toxic ones, this solution will be useless).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Add live phytoplankton<\/a> to compete and nourish the microfauna to help it develop, which in turn will take care of the dinoflagellates!<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- You can also add silicates to promote the appearance of diatoms, which will compete with dinoflagellates. There are no toxic diatoms<\/strong> in reef aquariums, and they are excellent food for snails and shellfish! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
In this article, we have seen the importance of adding phytoplankton<\/a> to combat dinoflagellates. <\/p>\n\n\n\nYou can purchase live marine phytoplankton and zooplankton from our online store:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Phytoflagellates are aquatic microorganisms with flagella, a form of flagellates from the protozoan branch but possessing plant characteristics that attribute them an algal status (Phytoplankton).<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n
Dinoflagellates have two flagella that allow them to move either vertically or in circles like a spinning top. The term “dinos” comes from the Greek “tournoiement” (whirling), which easily represents the movement observed under the microscope, and from the Latin flagellum<\/em>, “whip.” Literally, dinoflagellate means “whirling flagellum.” <\/p>\n\n Approximately 3000 species are currently known, and new ones are regularly discovered. <\/p>\n\n While dinoflagellates are responsible for the famous red tides observed on coastlines, in a reef aquarium, they can become a real problem leading to its crash.<\/p>\n\n They will have an unsightly appearance with layers covering the sand, rocks, and even corals.<\/p>\n\n Beyond the visual aspect, a proliferation of dinoflagellates will suffocate rocks and corals. The result is undeniable: corals will necrose, and the reef aquarist risks losing most of the aquarium’s corals. <\/p>\n\n In the case of toxic dinoflagellate proliferation, living organisms that consume phytoplankton will also absorb them and be poisoned by their toxins, thus causing death. <\/p>\n\n Grazing snails, sea urchins, and a large part of the microfauna will die. This will lead to a collapse of the tank’s ecosystem and the dreaded aquarium crash. <\/p>\n\n In a reef aquarium, the presence of toxic dinoflagellates will destroy a large part of the zooplankton<\/a>. <\/p><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n To re-balance the reef biotope, it will be necessary to properly identify the presence of dinoflagellates in order to make adjustments to eradicate them. <\/p>\n\n Generally, dinoflagellates do not arrive alone in a reef aquarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can come from live rock or when adding a new coral.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some minority species are toxic; they appear mainly when the environment is unbalanced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Non-toxic species can be eaten by both fish and snails.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Photo: Dinoflagellate under microscope by Nicolas Mazo<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n In a reef aquarium, dinoflagellates are often confused with diatoms<\/a>. Dinoflagellates tend to clump together, forming larger aggregates. In the presence of diatoms, they will disperse (like a cloud of dust) if disturbed. <\/p>\n\n The cell wall of dinoflagellates contains cellulose, unlike diatoms, which are composed of silica. <\/p>\n\n To do: mix a little 3% hydrogen peroxide with the sample, then observe under a microscope. In the presence of diatoms, the hydrogen peroxide will destroy the organic matter, leaving only the diatom skeletons with very beautiful shapes. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n Only microscopic observation will confirm their presence. Indeed, they do not have skeletons, unlike diatoms.<\/a> <\/p>\n\n Dinoflagellates of the genus Ostreopsis are very common in aquariums and spread rapidly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Easily identifiable under the microscope, they move and spin in circles. They produce toxins that can be ingested by animals and are therefore toxic to the aquarium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are capable of producing palytoxin analogs, a powerful vasoconstrictor considered one of the most potent non-peptidic toxic substances known. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n This species has an armored body called a “theca.” Dinophysis has an oblong shape almost resembling a rotifer but is distinguished by double collars (called cingulum) around the top of the cell and another wing (called sulcus) descending vertically. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Size varies from 50 to 95 \u00b5m in length and 40 to 60 \u00b5m in dorso-ventral width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They produce toxic substances that cause red tides, leading to widespread infection of <\/a>crustaceans, mussels, etc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Dinoflagellates of the Alexandrium species can produce paralytic neurotoxins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They accumulate in shellfish and cause poisoning in consumers, with potentially lethal effects.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Gymnodinium can be brown-yellow, green, and colorless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They release toxins dangerous to aquarium inhabitants. They can cause necrosis on fish gills and destroy zooplankton that ingest them. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n Be careful, the use of chemical “anti-dino” products will be catastrophic in the case of toxic dinoflagellates. The product will eliminate them BUT the toxins they release to defend themselves will kill some of the living organisms in the aquarium<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n Activated carbon should be used to absorb toxins and thus limit losses. However, since the carbon will also absorb the product used, not all dinoflagellates will be eliminated. The imbalance of the biotope caused by the product’s use will further promote their spread. <\/p>\n\n Dinoflagellates, like cyanobacteria<\/a>, are present in all aquariums. However, they thrive in very nutrient-poor environments with nitrate (NO3) and phosphate (PO4) levels close to zero. <\/p>\n\n A dinoflagellate proliferation always results from an imbalance in the tank. If your aquarium is very young, in its startup phase, or oligotrophic<\/strong> (phosphates Po4 and nitrates No3 close to zero), dinoflagellates are not outcompeted by other algae. <\/p>\n\n As food competition will be very low, dinoflagellates will reproduce more easily, and they will spread.<\/p>\n\n Water that is too clean is conducive to the appearance and spread of dinoflagellates. Maintaining NO3 and PO4 levels above zero will be essential. Ideally, maintain PO4 levels between 0.06 and 0.1 and NO3 levels between 5 and 10. <\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n In this article, we have seen the importance of adding phytoplankton<\/a> to combat dinoflagellates. <\/p>\n\n You can purchase live marine phytoplankton and zooplankton from our online store:<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy are dinoflagellates dangerous in our aquariums?<\/h2>\n\n
Identifying Dinoflagellates<\/h2>\n\n
<\/figure>\n
Some toxic dinoflagellates in the aquarium: <\/h3>\n\n
Ostreopsis spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nDinophysis spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nAlexandrium spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nGymnodinium spp<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nSolutions to Combat Dinoflagellates<\/h2>\n\n
\n
Quick solutions to implement: <\/h3>\n\n
\n
Modification of Maintenance Parameters<\/h4>\n\n
\n
Natural Solutions to Add to Eliminate Dinoflagellates:<\/h4>\n\n
\n
![\"Marine](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/Mix-phytoplancton-marin-330ml.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Zooplankton](\"https:\/\/recifaliste.fr\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/04\/souche-zooplancton-330-ml-1.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n