How to Feed Your Corals
Most corals get the bulk of their energy from light, through the algae living in their tissue. Feeding adds extra nutrition that can speed growth and improve color, especially for large-polyp corals. Here's what to feed, when, and how much.
Do corals need to be fed?
Many soft corals and SPS do fine on light alone in a tank with fish. LPS corals like hammers, chalices and Acans benefit the most from feeding. If you're unsure, start small and watch how your corals respond.
What to feed
- Powdered coral foods: fine particles for SPS, zoanthids and small-polyp corals.
- Reef roe and small frozen foods: good for zoanthids, mushrooms and smaller LPS.
- Mysis shrimp: larger bites for big-mouthed LPS like Acans and Scolymia.
Shop our fish and coral food.
Target feeding vs. broadcast feeding
Target feeding means squirting food directly onto a coral with a baster or pipette. It's best for LPS with visible mouths. Broadcast feeding means adding food to the water column for corals to catch. It's easier but adds more nutrients to the tank.
When to feed
Many LPS extend feeding tentacles in the evening or after the lights dim, which makes that a good time to target feed. Turn off your return pump, powerheads and protein skimmer for 15 to 20 minutes while feeding so the food stays on the coral, then turn them back on.
How much and how often
Once or twice a week is plenty for most tanks. Feed only what corals can catch in a few minutes. Uneaten food breaks down and raises nitrate and phosphate, which can fuel algae.
Signs you're overfeeding
- Rising nitrate or phosphate readings
- New algae growth or cloudy water
- Food left sitting on the rocks or sand
Keep an eye on your numbers with our guide to reef tank water parameters.
