FastAquatics
Step-by-step how-to

How to feed coral

Step-by-step coral feeding protocol. Target-feeding LPS, broadcast feeding, frequency, food choices (Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy, mysis).

Beginner7 steps

What you'll need

Step-by-step

Step 1: Choose the food typeLPS (frogspawn, hammer, torch, acan): Reef Roids, Coral Frenzy, frozen mysis. SPS (Acropora, Montipora): amino acids + Reef Roids broadcast. Soft coral (zoanthids, leathers): minimal feeding needed.
Step 2: Lights low or offReduce flow + dim or off the lights for feeding. Coral extends polyps faster + tankmates are less active during low light.
Step 3: Pre-soak frozen foodThaw frozen mysis or brine in a cup of tank water for 5 minutes. Strain liquid (it's phosphate-rich and not needed in the tank).
Step 4: Target-feed LPSUse a turkey baster. Place food directly on extended polyps. Hold steady for 30 seconds while polyps grasp + pull food into mouth. Each piece gets 1-2 squirts.
Step 5: Broadcast for SPSMix Reef Roids in tank water + add via turkey baster across the SPS area. Polyps catch the suspended food. Increase flow back after 10 minutes to clear residue.
Step 6: Wait + watchCoral takes 30-90 minutes to fully digest. Restart flow + lights gradually. Skim the surface for any uneaten food.
Step 7: Dose amino acids weeklyFor SPS: dose Brightwell AminOmega or Coral Vitalizer per manufacturer 1-2x weekly. Provides building blocks for tissue growth + coloration.

Frequently asked questions

How often should I feed coral?

LPS: 1-2x weekly target feeding. SPS: 2-3x weekly broadcast feeding. Soft coral: no direct feeding needed.

Can I overfeed coral?

Yes - excess food fuels nuisance algae + raises nitrate/phosphate. Feed only what coral consumes within 30 minutes.

Do all coral need to be fed?

No. All coral are partly photosynthetic. Feeding accelerates growth and improves color but is optional for survival in well-lit tanks.

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Aquarium-keeping fundamentals

Whatever specific topic brought you here, four fundamentals govern long-term aquarium success: water quality, parameter stability, biological filtration, and species-appropriate husbandry. Skip any one and the others struggle to compensate.

Water quality: ammonia + nitrite at zero, nitrate under 30 ppm freshwater + 10 ppm reef. Test weekly with API or Salifert kits. Use our water parameter checker to score your readings against your tank type.

Parameter stability: stable wrong parameters beat fluctuating ideal parameters. Most fish tolerate a wide pH range if it's stable. Sudden swings of 0.4+ pH or 5+°F kill fish faster than chronic suboptimal values. Use temperature controllers (Inkbird) + automated dosing for consistency.

Biological filtration: the bacterial colony on your filter media + rock + substrate is the engine. Never replace all media at once. Use our filter turnover calculator to size correctly.

Species-appropriate husbandry: research adult size, territoriality, diet, and tankmate compatibility before purchase. Use our tank stocking calculator + compatibility guides.

Frequently asked questions

How long does an aquarium take to set up? 4-6 weeks for full cycling + first stocking. Use our cycle ETA calculator + how long does cycling take.

What's the best aquarium for beginners? 20-gallon long. Big enough for parameter stability, small enough for budget + space. See beginner picks.

How often should I do water changes? 25-30% weekly. See water change frequency Q&A + water change calculator.

Why does my fish keep dying? 5 leading causes: uncycled tank, wrong species pairings, no quarantine, undersized tank, neglected water-change schedule. See full diagnosis.

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