Dinoflagellate Control

Dinoflagellates on the sand bed: what to look for

A brown coating on the sand bed may be dinoflagellates, but diatoms and cyanobacteria can look similar. Some dinoflagellates form a fine, dusty layer; others appear as slimy strands with trapped bubbles. Appearance alone cannot confirm what is growing in your aquarium.

If possible, examine a small sample under a microscope before choosing an approach. Different types behave differently, and not every outbreak responds in the same way to UV-C.

Large-cell Amphidinium

Brown patches on an aquarium sand bed, reported as large-cell Amphidinium.
Example on the sand bed
Microscope image identified as large-cell Amphidinium in a dinoflagellate support group.
Corresponding microscope image

Small-cell Amphidinium

Brown coating on an aquarium sand bed, reported as small-cell Amphidinium.
Example on the sand bed
Microscope image showing several cells reported as small-cell Amphidinium.
Corresponding microscope image

These examples were supplied as large-cell and small-cell Amphidinium. The microscope images are not shown at the same scale and should not be used to compare cell sizes.

Targeted care for the sand bed

The ReefSweep Mini (3W) and ReefSweep Medium (7W) are designed to bring UV-C close to affected areas of the sand bed. Compare their assembled lengths and choose the model that fits your aquarium. Read the product instructions and safety guidance before use.
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  • ReefSweep Mini UV-C met twee verlengbuizen, schakelaar en stekker

    ReefSweep Mini – Targeted UV-C Tool for Sand-Bed Dinoflagellates

    ReefSweep Mini – Targeted UV-C Tool for Sand-Bed Dinoflagellates
    €49,95 EUR
  • ReefSweep Medium – UV-C Sand-Bed Treatment Tool

    ReefSweep Medium – UV-C Sand-Bed Treatment Tool

    ReefSweep Medium – UV-C Sand-Bed Treatment Tool
    €59,95 EUR