Beating dinoflagellates with algal competition?

[redfishsc]

Many of us have battled dinoflagellates, and there are several ways that we use to tip the balance in getting rid of them (high pH, high alk, high magnesium, etc...). They have worked well for me but always take time (a month or two if it's a thick infestation on a new tank).


However, I'm also starting to think that algal competition has a HUGE impact on dinos. Here is why.


I just upgraded my massive 10 gallon tank to a 25, and added 20 additional pounds of Marco (dry) rock. I already had 15 pounds of Fiji that was VERY well populated with pink/purple corraline.


12 days after upgrading the tank, there are dinoflagellates that are growing on the dry Marco rock. I expected to see nuisance algae on this new tank for a few weeks, but I do not see ANY dinoflagellates growing off of the older, established rocks.


Add to that the fact that most tanks I see with heavy dino populations look void of any corraline... I'm starting to suspect that corraline has some trait or characteristic that helps fight off dinoflagellate blooms.


This really would bolster the fact that higher alk, pH, magnesium and perhaps even calcium levels (to select for better corraline growth) will help fight off the dinos in more than one way (chemically and biologically).


Any thoughts?

 

[29reef]

The dinos on the new rock is pretty common. They eventually get overtaken by other microfauna. As far as why they won't grow on you old rocks is just as you say, it's already been colonized by algea, bacteria, sponges, etc. so the dinos have no place on it. Your correct that the dinos won't affect mature live rock. Maybe I missed your point?

 

[redfishsc]

Well, the idea that dinos won't colonize mature rock as quickly (as much, or even at all) isn't something I've read. Was a new concept for me, so I figured I'd post here.

You have helped confirm my suspicion. Thanks!

I guess my point is that promoting the growth of corraline would help reduce dino populations.

Perhaps adding lots of scraped corraline from another tank would help colonize the rock better/quicker....????