Unlock the full potential of your reef tank with our comprehensive coral feeding guide. Learn exactly when to feed, what types of food different corals need, and how to deliver nutrients effectively for vibrant color, health, and maximum growth. Whether you keep LPS, SPS, or soft corals, this guide provides proven techniques and expert tips to elevate your reef-keeping results.
While many corals rely on photosynthesis via their zooxanthellae, most also benefit from supplemental feeding. Regular feedings can:
Increase polyp extension and coloration
Accelerate tissue and skeletal growth
Help corals recover from stress or fragging
Improve reproduction in certain species
Feeding is especially helpful in low-nutrient tanks where corals may lack access to trace elements and amino acids.
Feeding Mode | Coral Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
Photosynthesis | All corals | Energy from light via zooxanthellae |
Passive feeding | LPS, SPS, softies | Absorbing dissolved organics from water |
Active feeding | LPS, some softies | Capturing prey with tentacles or mucous nets |
🧠 Corals like Acanthophyllia, Goniopora, and Micromussa thrive with routine feeding.
Reef-Roids, Coral Frenzy Powder, Benepets
Ideal for SPS, Goniopora, Duncans
Reef Energy AB+, Brightwell CoralAmino
Easily absorbed by softies and LPS
Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, brine, reef plankton
Best for meat-eating LPS like Lobophyllia, Acanthastrea, Trachyphyllia
Copepods, rotifers, baby brine shrimp
Excellent for target-feeding delicate species
Frequency | Coral Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
2–3x per week | LPS, softies | Use a turkey baster or pipette to gently target feed |
1–2x per week | SPS | Broadcast fine particles into high-flow area |
As needed | Recovery/sick corals | May require daily micro-feedings |
🧼 Always turn off flow during feeding and resume after 15–30 mins.
Turn off pumps/powerheads
Thaw or mix food in RO/DI or tank water
Use a pipette or turkey baster to target-feed heads or polyps
Let food settle for 20 minutes before turning flow back on
Rinse excess from high-flow areas to prevent algae
Excess detritus buildup
Increased nitrate/phosphate readings
Algae blooms
Cloudy water
Coral tissue recession from bacterial growth
Use filter socks, protein skimmers, and bacteria dosing (e.g. Microbacter7) to help balance excess nutrients.
Feed after lights have been on for at least 1 hour (polyp extension improves)
Use a red flashlight at night to spot-feed nocturnal feeders (e.g. NPS corals)
Rotate food types weekly to prevent deficiency and increase variety
Target feed when you see sweeper tentacles or mouths open
Pipette or coral feeder
Feeding tongs or forceps
Small mixing cup or shot glass
Rinse water (RO or tank water)
Coral-specific food (powder, liquid, or frozen)
Feeding your corals isn’t just about growth—it’s about connection. Observing polyp extension, response to food, and gradual tissue development is one of the most rewarding aspects of reef-keeping.
Start with what your corals show interest in, and adjust based on how they respond over time.
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Dream World Corals is a trusted online coral retailer specializing in hand-selected, ethically grown WYSIWYG corals. With an unwavering commitment to reef health, we provide hobbyists of all levels with premium corals backed by expert care, safe shipping, and our industry-leading 72-hour live arrival guarantee. Our mission is simple: help your reef thrive.
