Coral Feeding Guide: What, When & How to Feed Your Corals
A complete guide to feeding reef corals for maximum growth, vivid coloration, and long-term health — covering broadcast and target feeding techniques, the best coral foods compared, amino acid supplements, and species-specific schedules. Compiled from the best practices of Red Sea, Bulk Reef Supply, ReefBum, PolypLab, Aqua SD, Fish Tank Advisor, and the reef keeping community.
1. Do Corals Need Feeding?
Many beginner reefers assume that light alone is enough for corals. While it’s true that photosynthetic corals harbour symbiotic zooxanthellae algae that produce glucose, amino acids, and glycerol through photosynthesis [1], research shows that zooxanthellae supply only about 60% of a coral’s total energy. The remaining 40% comes from planktonic foods (~20%) and dissolved organic compounds (~20%) [1]. This heterotrophic feeding — capturing and digesting particles from the water column — is what fuels new tissue growth, repairs damage, builds skeleton, and drives the vivid pigmentation reefers prize.
The zooxanthellae-supplied nutrients are notably low in nitrogen and phosphorus [1], yet nitrogen is critical for the amino acids and proteins corals need for growth and disease resistance. That gap can only be closed by supplemental feeding.
Scientific studies on species such as Porites compressa and Montipora capitata have demonstrated that supplemental feeding causes a significant increase in growth rate, though effectiveness varies by food type and species [1]. Red Sea’s research found that reducing zooxanthellae density through nutrient control improves coloration, but the resulting energy deficit must be compensated with external feeding [5]. In other words, the vibrant colours reefers chase are partly a product of deliberate feeding.
2. Feeding Methods
There are two primary approaches to feeding corals, and most experienced reefers use both in combination [2].
Broadcast Feeding
+ Feeds the entire tank simultaneously
+ Reaches filter feeders, sponges, and feather dusters
+ Supports copepod and microfauna populations
+ Simple — just add food to flow
- More food wasted to skimmer and rockwork
- Higher nutrient load per feeding
- Less control over who eats what
Target Feeding
+ Precise — food goes directly to coral polyps
+ Minimal waste and nutrient loading
+ Essential for LPS and NPS corals
+ Works with thick, viscous foods
- Time-consuming in large tanks
- Requires syringe, pipette, or turkey baster
- Must reduce or turn off flow
Preparation Before Feeding
Regardless of method, BRS recommends these preparation steps [2]:
- Turn off the return pump or activate “feed mode” on your controller. Set a timer so you don’t forget to turn it back on. [2]
- Turn off the protein skimmer for 15–30 minutes after feeding to prevent it from removing coral food before it can be consumed. [7]
- Reduce powerhead speed to a gentle current — enough to keep food suspended but not blast it away from polyps. [2]
- Feed at night or after lights dim — most corals extend their feeding tentacles in low light, following natural biological rhythms. [1] [2]
3. Coral Foods Compared
Different corals have different mouth sizes and capture mechanisms, so particle size matters. Data compiled from Fish Tank Advisor [1], BRS [2], ReefBum [4], PolypLab [3], and Reef2Reef community testing [8].
| Food | Particle Size | Type | Best For | Method | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reef-Roids (PolypLab) | 150–200 µm | Powdered zooplankton | SPS LPS | Broadcast + Target | $18–$30 / 60 g |
| Benepets Benereef | 3–3,000 µm | Probiotic reef food | SPS LPS Soft | Broadcast | $20–$35 / 40 g |
| Coral Frenzy | 53–1,700 µm | Powder (oyster larvae + salmon roe) | SPS LPS NPS | Broadcast + Target | $18–$25 / 56 g |
| Frozen Mysis Shrimp | 3,000–8,000 µm | Whole frozen crustacean | LPS NPS | Target | $5–$10 / 100 g |
| Frozen Rotifers | 100–300 µm | Whole frozen zooplankton | SPS NPS | Broadcast | $8–$15 / 100 g |
| Phytoplankton (live/bottled) | 1–20 µm | Liquid microalgae | SPS Soft NPS | Broadcast | $10–$20 / 16 oz |
| Oyster Eggs (Reef Nutrition) | 1–200 µm | Frozen eggs | SPS LPS NPS | Broadcast | $12–$18 / 6 oz |
4. What Each Coral Type Eats
Not all corals feed the same way. Mouth size, polyp structure, and dependence on zooxanthellae all determine what food a coral can capture and digest [1] [6].
SPS Small Polyp Stony Corals
Examples: Acropora, Montipora, Stylophora, Pocillopora, Seriatopora
SPS corals have tiny polyps (<2 mm) that can only capture very fine particles. They rely heavily on photosynthesis but benefit significantly from phytoplankton (1–20 µm), fine powdered foods (50–200 µm) like Reef-Roids, oyster eggs, and rotifers [1]. SPS corals also send out sticky mucus “nets” that gather particulate organic matter and bacteria from the water column [1]. Amino acid supplements are particularly beneficial for SPS tissue growth and coloration [9].
LPS Large Polyp Stony Corals
Examples: Hammer, Torch, Frogspawn, Brain, Acan, Blastomussa, Fungia
LPS corals have large, fleshy polyps with prominent tentacles designed to capture meaty, larger particles. They eagerly consume frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, chopped silversides, and pellet foods [1]. Many LPS corals show a dramatic feeding response — tentacles extend and grab food within seconds of detection [1]. Target feeding with a turkey baster or syringe is the most effective method for LPS [2].
Soft Soft Corals
Examples: Zoanthids, Mushrooms, Leathers, Xenia, Green Star Polyps, Toadstool
Soft corals are primarily photosynthetic and derive the vast majority of their energy from light [6]. Most soft corals do not require direct feeding, but they benefit from occasional broadcast feeding with phytoplankton or fine coral foods [1]. Zoanthids and mushrooms will sometimes capture and consume larger particles when available. Supplemental feeding is optional but can accelerate growth.
NPS Non-Photosynthetic Corals
Examples: Sun Coral (Tubastrea), Dendronephthya, Chili Coral, Black Sun Coral
NPS corals contain no zooxanthellae and depend entirely on heterotrophic feeding for survival [6]. They must be fed daily or at minimum every other day, or they will starve. Aqua SD feeds their NPS corals at least 2 times per week as a minimum [6]. Target feeding with mysis shrimp, rotifers, oyster eggs, and powdered coral foods is essential. NPS corals are considered advanced-level — they demand a committed feeding schedule.
5. Amino Acids & Supplements
Beyond solid and liquid coral foods, amino acid supplements have become a cornerstone of modern reef keeping. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, including the chromo-proteins responsible for coral pigmentation [5]. Supplementing them provides corals with ready-to-absorb nutrition that bypasses the energy cost of digesting whole food.
Brightwell Aquatics CoralAmino [7]
Contains free-form amino acids “in the same ratios found within tissues of stony corals” [7]. Widely used by professional coral farmers to increase growth rate and coloration. Facilitates tissue repair after fragmentation and aids corals stressed by temperature swings or lighting changes [7]. Turn off protein skimmer for 10–15 minutes after dosing [7].
Two Little Fishies AcroPower [9]
Designed specifically for SPS corals. Replenishes amino acids that help corals build skeletal structure, extend growth margins, and display vibrant coloration — often within days of use [9]. Particularly effective for Acropora species. A trusted name among SPS-dominant tank keepers.
Red Sea Reef Energy Plus (AB+) [5]
An organic complex of dissolved and suspended building blocks — carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, and vitamins — all in readily absorbable form so corals don’t need to break them down [5]. Red Sea reports 15% faster growth compared to their original two-part formula. Produces minimal waste, compatible with auto-dosers, and causes minimal over-skimming [5]. Aqua SD uses Reef Energy A & B across all their systems with “great success” [6].
Brightwell Aquatics Restor [10]
Contains solubilized marine protein, stabilized amino acids, and fatty acids (EPA, DHA, omega-3s) all of marine origin [10]. Encourages health, growth, reproduction, and vibrant coloration. Particularly useful for tissue repair after fragging and during bleaching events when corals rely more on prey capture than zooxanthellae [10]. Can also be used as a food soak for 5–10 minutes before feeding [10].
6. Feeding Schedule
BRS recommends feeding corals at least 1–2 times per week to keep waste levels in check [2], though most experienced reefers feed 2–3 times weekly. Frequency should be adjusted based on your tank’s capacity to handle additional nutrients. Here is a practical schedule by coral type:
| Coral Type | Frequency | Method | Best Foods | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPS | 2–3x / week | Broadcast | Phyto, Reef-Roids, oyster eggs, amino acids | Fine particles only (<200 µm) [1] |
| LPS | 2–3x / week | Target | Mysis, Coral Frenzy, pellets, brine shrimp | Place food on polyps directly [2] |
| NPS | Daily (min every other day) | Target + Broadcast | Mysis, rotifers, oyster eggs, Reef-Roids | Will starve without regular feeding [6] |
| Soft | Optional — 1x / week | Broadcast | Phytoplankton, Benereef | Mostly photosynthetic; feeding is a bonus [1] |
Timing
Corals develop daily biological rhythms synchronised with their lighting cycle [1]. Many coral farms feed several hours before evening light reduction, when polyps are beginning to extend. Feeding at night or just after daylights turn off produces the best response [2]. Expose corals to food for about 15 minutes before restoring normal flow [2].
7. Overfeeding Risks
Feeding corals is beneficial, but too much food creates real problems. Excess food decomposes in the water column, releasing dissolved organics that destabilise your system [1].
Nutrient Spike
Uneaten food breaks down into ammonia, then nitrite, then nitrate. Heavy feeding can push nitrate levels well above the 5–10 ppm sweet spot for SPS tanks [1]. Monitor with regular water testing — if nitrate climbs post-feeding, reduce frequency or volume.
Phosphate Increase
Some coral foods — particularly Reef-Roids — are known to raise phosphate (PO4) more than alternatives [8]. Elevated phosphate inhibits calcification in SPS corals and contributes to tissue browning. If PO4 rises above 0.05 ppm in an SPS tank, scale back feeding and consider running GFO (granular ferric oxide) media.
Algae Bloom
Excess dissolved organics fuel nuisance algae — hair algae, cyanobacteria, and dinoflagellates all thrive when nutrients spike [1]. Your aquarium should remain clear with no sudden algae growth after feeding sessions. If algae appears, reduce feeding immediately.
Skimmer Overflow
Protein skimmers may produce excess foam and overflow after heavy feeding [1]. This is normal in small amounts, but persistent skimmer overflow indicates you are adding more organics than your system can process. Turn off the skimmer during feeding and resume 15–30 minutes later.
8. Target Feeding Technique
Target feeding is the most efficient way to deliver nutrition directly to coral polyps with minimal waste. This step-by-step method is recommended by BRS [2], Fish Tank Advisor [1], and Brightwell Aquatics [7].
Prepare Your Food
Combine your chosen coral foods in a small container with tank water. BRS recommends soaking foods for at least 10 minutes before feeding [2]. For powdered foods like Reef-Roids, mix ¼ teaspoon with ~30 ml of tank water and stir into a slurry. For frozen mysis, thaw in a small cup of tank water and strain off the packing liquid.
Reduce Flow & Turn Off Skimmer
Activate “feed mode” on your controller or manually turn off the return pump. Reduce powerheads to the lowest setting — just enough to keep food suspended [2]. Turn off the protein skimmer to prevent it from removing food [7]. Set a timer so you remember to restore equipment.
Trigger the “Dinner Bell”
Broadcast a tiny amount of food into the water column 5 minutes before target feeding. This stimulates chemoreceptors across the tank, causing polyps to extend and “prepare” to eat [2].
Deliver Food with Syringe or Turkey Baster
Draw up your prepared food slurry into a coral feeding pipette, syringe (without needle), or turkey baster. Position the tip 2–4 inches upstream of the target coral and slowly discharge the food [7] [10]. For LPS corals, you can place food directly onto extended tentacles. For SPS, create a gentle cloud of particles near the colony and let the coral capture it naturally.
Wait 15 Minutes
Allow corals to capture and ingest food for approximately 15 minutes [2]. You’ll see LPS polyps fold inward as they process food, and SPS colonies will appear slightly “fuzzy” with extended polyps.
Restore Flow & Skimmer
Turn your return pump and powerheads back to normal speed. Restart the protein skimmer 15–30 minutes after feeding to allow maximum food absorption [7]. Any remaining suspended food will be consumed by fish, filter feeders, or cleaned up by your CUC (clean-up crew).
9. Frequently Asked Questions
Do corals really need to be fed, or is light enough?
Light alone provides only about 60% of a coral’s energy via photosynthetic zooxanthellae [1]. The remaining 40% comes from heterotrophic feeding — capturing particles and absorbing dissolved organics. While photosynthetic corals can survive on light alone, they will grow significantly faster, show better coloration, and be more resilient to stress when fed supplementally [1] [5].
How often should I feed my corals?
For SPS and LPS corals, 2–3 times per week is ideal [2]. NPS (non-photosynthetic) corals need daily feeding or at minimum every other day [6]. Soft corals are mostly photosynthetic and only need occasional broadcast feeding, roughly once per week [1]. Amino acid supplements can be dosed daily independent of solid food [7].
What is the best coral food for SPS corals?
SPS corals need fine particles under 200 microns. The most popular choices are Reef-Roids (150–200 µm powdered zooplankton) [3], phytoplankton (1–20 µm) [1], and oyster eggs (1–200 µm). Amino acid supplements like AcroPower and CoralAmino are particularly beneficial for SPS growth and coloration [9] [7]. A combination of multiple food sources produces better results than any single product [1].
Should I turn off my skimmer when feeding corals?
Yes. Turn off your protein skimmer for 15–30 minutes after feeding to prevent it from removing coral food before it can be consumed [7]. Also activate “feed mode” or reduce powerhead flow so food stays near coral polyps rather than getting blasted away [2]. Set a timer to restore equipment after the feeding window.
Can I overfeed my corals?
Yes — overfeeding is one of the most common mistakes. Excess food decomposes and spikes nitrate and phosphate levels, fuelling nuisance algae blooms and inhibiting SPS calcification [1] [8]. Start with small amounts and only feed what corals can consume within 15 minutes [2]. Monitor water parameters regularly and reduce feeding if you see nutrient elevation or algae growth.
What is the difference between Reef-Roids, Benepets, and Coral Frenzy?
Reef-Roids is a powdered zooplankton with 150–200 µm particle size, rich in astaxanthin for colour enhancement — great for SPS and LPS but can raise phosphates [3] [8]. Benepets Benereef has a wide 3–3,000 µm particle range with a patent-pending probiotic formula that causes less phosphate impact [8]. Coral Frenzy uses oyster larvae and salmon roe (53–1,700 µm) and generates a bigger feeding response [4] [8]. Many experienced reefers use a combination — target-feeding Reef-Roids while broadcasting Benepets [8].
References
Every factual claim in this guide is cited to its original source. Click any [n] in the text above to jump here.
- Fish Tank Advisor — “SPS & LPS Coral Feeding Guide: Best Foods & Techniques”
- Bulk Reef Supply — “Fish and Coral Food FAQs — What To Feed, How Much, and When!”
- Bulk Reef Supply — “Polyplab Reef-Roids Coral Food: Top FAQs” + PolypLab Reef-Roids: What You Need to Know
- ReefBum — “Coral Frenzy Product Overview — The Ultimate Coral Food”
- Red Sea — “Reef Energy Plus: Complete All-In-One Coral Superfood” + Coral Nutrition Program
- Aqua SD — “Feeding Tips & Procedures”
- Brightwell Aquatics — CoralAmino official product page + BRS CoralAmino FAQs
- Reef2Reef — “Benepets vs Reef-Roids” + “Reef-Roids vs Coral Frenzy” community threads
- Bulk Reef Supply — “AcroPower Amino Acid Formula for SPS Corals” + ReefBum — “What to Dose For SPS?”
- Brightwell Aquatics — Restor official product page
- Bulk Reef Supply — “Increase Coral Color & Growth With Feeding — Beginner’s Guide EP: 46”
- Bulk Reef Supply — “Coral Feeding: Target Feeding SPS, LPS, Clams and Anemones”
- Reef Builders — “How to Feed a Coral Reef Tank”
- ReefBum — “Product Overviews: Oyster-Feast & Phyto-Feast”
- Bulk Reef Supply — “BRS Recommended: Brightwell Aquatics CoralAmino”
- Reef2Reef — “Should I Target Feed My Corals? Recommend a Well Rounded Coral Food”
Ready to grow vibrant corals?
Browse thousands of coral species from trusted Thai reef shops.
Browse Coral Collection