Coral Feeding – Tips & Tricks

Coral Nutrition | Tips and Tricks

When it comes to coral feeding, there are two methods which are most effective: broadcast feeding and target feeding. Here’s a step-by-step guide (also available as a video):

Broadcast feeding is a “set & forget” daily method which is both easy and efficient.

1. Turn off the protein skimmer and the main return pump, so the coral food you are about to pour into the aquarium will not be removed by the skimmer and carbon media.

2. Leave your wave pumps on, so the coral food will mix evenly across the aquarium.

3. Prepare the required amount of coral food in a clean measuring cup.

4. Pour the coral food into the tank, near the wave pumps, so it will spread across the aquarium. If you do not have wave pumps, simply pour the coral food across the length of the aquarium.

5. Coral food, such as Reef Energy Plus, usually takes a couple of minutes to mix with the water. At this stage, it is advised to select FEED mode in your ReefBeat App.

Program FEED mode beforehand to turn off one pump while leaving the other one on. This will reduce the flow and allow the corals to feed more easily, as opposed to a strong flow that can blow off the mucus layer from the feeding corals.

6. After 30 minutes of feeding, you can turn the entire system back on.

Broadcast feeding with a dosing pump: Fill your dosing container with the amount needed for a week. Don’t forget to return the bottle with the remaining coral food to your fridge to avoid spoilage, and wash the container with soapy water in between refills

The second recommended method to feed your corals is target feeding, which requires a pipette or a baster.

1. Mix one third of Reef Energy Plus with two thirds of aquarium water.

2. Turn off the return pump, skimmer, and wave pumps, and wait until all water flow has ceased in the aquarium.

3. Fill your pipette or baster with the Reef Energy Plus – water mix, and gently feed every single coral by releasing a small amount right above the coral, allowing them to absorb the food directly.

4. With target feeding it is easy to lose track of time, so it is best to set up a timer to make sure you don’t forget to turn the system back on.

When feeding your corals with Reef Energy Plus, it is extremely recommended to sit back and watch the corals: They will fluff-up, extend their tentacles and do what corals do when they’re happy.

Good to know: Target feeding damaged or bleached corals will improve their survivability rehabilitation and recovery process. Remember: as long as there’s tissue, there’s hope!

How much to supplement: To easily achieve your reefing goals check out our new MyRecipe™ Wizard, which recommends the optimal water parameters, and supplementing program that is best for you.