3DReefing UV Sweeper — Targeted Sandbed Dino Control for Reef Tanks

Introduction

Benthic dinoflagellates like Amphidinium and Prorocentrum are among the most persistent and discouraging pests in reef aquariums. Often called “hobby killers,” they are one of the leading reasons reefers quit the hobby. These dinos embed deep into the sand and rock at night and resurface during the day, making them extremely difficult to eliminate with traditional in-line UV sterilizers.

Conventional reef tank dino treatment methods like silicate dosing attempt to outcompete dinos with diatoms. But this process alters water chemistry and may take months or even a year.  Visually it also makes things worse before they get better. 

The 3DReefing UV Sweeper is the first targeted solution designed to sterilize sandbed dinoflagellates using focused UV-C light—without disturbing beneficial life or altering nutrient chemistry. By sterilizing only the unwanted organisms (dinos) you are then able to induce a shift by dosing beneficial bottled bacteria to keep you aquarium pristine long term.  It is the go-to reef-safe treatment method for reefers dealing with sandbed dinos.

What It Targets

The UV Sweeper is designed for sand-dwelling benthic dinos like:

• Amphidinium
• Prorocentrum

Note: Water-column species like Ostreopsis and Coolia are better handled with plumbed in-line UV sterilizers. Always confirm your dino species under a microscope before treatment.

How It Works

The 3DReefing UV Sweeper delivers focused, shielded UV-C light to sterilize surface-bound dinos.

• Sterilizes the top sand layer without disturbing deeper microbiome
• Targets dinoflagellates directly without chemical dosing
• Visible improvement often seen in 3–5 days

 

Reef-safe design built for precision and ease of use

The Advantages of the UV Sweeper Over Traditional Methods

• In-line UV sterilizers miss sandbed species
• Silicate dosing can take months and mask visible progress
• Algaecides and H2O2 may harm corals and microfauna

The UV Sweeper works fast, doesn’t alter chemistry, and preserves your beneficial microbiome beneath the surface — making it the best reef-safe dino control solution available today.

Community-Proven Success

Thriving reef tank post-treatment with the UV Sweeper.

Since launching in the summer of 2024, reefers across the world have shared their success stories using the UV Sweeper on Reef2Reef, Facebook, and directly on the 3DReefing site.

Who is getting results?  See the growing number of testimonials in this Reef2Reef thread: Sand Bed UV Sweeper by 3DReefing – Has Anyone Tried It?

Need more information?  Check out the FAQ page HERE or see  the video of how it works HERE.  

Long-Term Stability

Balanced reef system after dino control with the UV Sweeper.

The UV Sweeper doesn’t just suppress symptoms—it helps reset your sandbed microbiome. When paired with proper nutrients and bottled bacteria, this tool can permanently shift your tank away from a dino-prone state.

Don’t let dinos take down your tank. End the cycle and reef with confidence.

Purchase Here