If you’re looking to feed your corals, you’ll want to make sure you have the proper food containers. Food containers come in different sizes and will vary from species to species. Be sure to feed your corals on a regular basis to avoid overfeeding, which can be harmful for your fish. Feeding most corals is easy, but some rare and exotic species need specific foods and a specific feeding schedule.
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Phytoplankton
Adding live phytoplankton to a reef tank can greatly increase the diversity of your inhabitants. Phytoplankton are microscopic algae, and the size range is three to twenty micrometers. Some of the most common phytoplankton that corals require are Nannochloris, Isochrysis, and Tetraselmis. You can culture these algae yourself, or buy a commercial product.
Adding phytoplankton to a reef aquarium may sound like a waste product, but it will actually help your fish and corals. The phytoplankton will serve as a food source for filter feeders like copepods and clams. They will also feed your filter feeders, which will increase their growth rate. Phytoplankton is also a natural source of nitrates, phosphates, and silicates, which are necessary for healthy coral growth.
When choosing a food source for your corals, it is important to choose one that is high in bioactivity. Live phytoplankton will give your fish more protein and more energy than conventional food. You can also use a protein skimmer to skim off the excess, but be sure to turn it off before you add your new foods. Your corals will appreciate the change and will be healthier than ever!
Phytoplankton culture
Phytoplankton culture is an important part of your saltwater reef aquarium, since it provides a high-quality source of food for fish and corals. When feeding fry or breeding saltwater fish, phytoplankton is essential for the survival of your young. To grow and feed this vital marine organism, you need to add at least one tablespoon of phytoplankton to each gallons of saltwater water.
Phytoplankton is not only important for the corals themselves; many other species of invertebrates also need them. Copepods and brine shrimp eat phytoplankton and help keep the tank clean naturally. Live phytoplankton can also help absorb heavy metals from the water, making it healthier for corals. But be sure to research the different species and their nutritional needs before attempting to feed them.
Phytoplankton liquid food
Phytoplankton are microscopic organisms found in our oceans, lakes, and rivers. They vary in size, from 3 micrometers to 20 micrometers. Different species of phytoplankton are suitable for various coral species, and the amount you need to feed your tank depends on the size of your reef. Generally, the range of cell size suitable for corals is about 3 – 20 micrometers. PhytoPlan is a spray dried blend of these organisms. These creatures are very nutritious and are excellent for filter feeding your fish. You can culture phytoplankton yourself, or buy a pre-made product.
Many different species of corals thrive without the use of additional food, but others require regular feedings in order to continue growing. Those that are fed regularly tend to grow faster and healthier than those that are not. Phytoplankton is naturally present in a reef aquarium, but adding too much of it can introduce harmful levels of phosphates, nitrates, and silicates to your water. Dosing your reef tank can make these parameters worse.
Dry food
There are a few different brands of dry food for corals in a reef aquarium. Some are better than others. Fauna Marin is a reputable brand with products ranging from powders to LPS pellets. They also have different ratios of carbohydrates, proteins, and fatty acids for different types of corals. For example, one tiny spoon of Golden Pearls is enough for a 55g reef tank. However, if you overfeed your livestock, it could lead to massive algae outbreaks and overflowing of your skimmer.
Phytoplantkon products are another good option for feeding corals in a reef tank. Many aquarists report an increase in the size of coral polyps and rotifers after using them. In addition, some of these products are used to enrich the artemia and serve as food for rotifers. These products can be used in conjunction with other types of dry foods for corals in a reef tank.
