What to Feed Corals in a Reef Tank

what to feed corals in a reef tank

There are several types of food you can use in your reef tank. These include fish poop, Cyclop-Eeze, Nutramar Ova, and Phytoplankton. You will need to adjust the amount and type of food that your corals are eating to achieve the best results. For more information, visit my website and subscribe to my newsletter. You can also read my blog, which focuses on all aspects of reef keeping.

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Contents

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton is a great addition to your reef tank. While your corals may survive without it, adding phytoplankton will help them thrive and grow. Not only will they grow healthier, but they’ll also be brighter and plumper. These tiny creatures also feed copepods, rotifers, and mysid. They also eat the organic waste in the water, such as bacteria and detriton.

Fish poop

It’s common knowledge that fish poop is beneficial for the corals in our reef aquariums, but did you know that fish feces may also be a beneficial source of nutrients for them? Researchers at The University of Texas Marine Science Institute and former undergraduate Abigail Siebert recently conducted a study to determine whether fish feces may feed herbivorous corals in reef tanks.

Cyclop-Eeze

Using Cyclop-Eeze to feed coral in a reef tank is an excellent way to provide more protein to your marine inhabitants. It is made from freeze-dried marine Cyclops, which have high amounts of Omega 3 HUFAs and are considered super foods by reef-keeping enthusiasts. Cyclop-Eeze is available in the US and Europe as a dry powder that is mixed with tank water or RO/DI water.

Nutramar Ova

Previously known as TMC Gamma Lobster Eggs, Nutramar Ova is a high-quality frozen prawn egg product that is ideal for feeding small to medium-sized fish and corals. It contains at least 31% protein and is packaged in flat packs with very little water. It is the perfect size for feeding soft corals and smaller fish. While the nutritional value of Nutramar Ova is still unknown, the fish and corals will love the taste and the fact that it is packed with minimal water.

Cyclop-Eeze frozen form

If you’re looking to feed your corals, Cyclop-Eeze in frozen form is one of the best options. This bright red product is made of freeze-dried microscopic marine Cyclops. It’s a super-food for both fish and corals, and can be found in the USA and EU. It is a dry powder that you can mix with RO/DI water or aquarium water for feeding your corals.

Squirt and go

To feed torch coral, you will need a special squirt tool. Dedicated feeding equipment is available at saltwater fish stores, but you can get by with a turkey baster or other inexpensive piece of plastic ware. Torch corals are voracious feeders, so make sure you only add enough food to feed them within a few minutes. Too much food in your reef tank can result in rotting food.

Targeted gel feeding

There is an alternative way to provide amino acids to reef fishes. The amino acids are simple organic compounds that play a critical role in building proteins and other biological functions. Since most animals do not have the ability to synthesize all of the necessary amino acids, they must obtain them from their food. Corals are no exception to this rule. In fact, they regularly take in the amino acids in the water column. Broadcast feeding of a high-quality amino acid solution is a simple way to provide adequate amounts to corals in a reef tank. Amino acid solutions are available from commercial reef supplement manufacturers and can be used by aquarists.