Most corals rely on the zooxanthellae algae that live in their body to provide the energy they need using photosynthesis.
This process uses light and available nutrients, transforming them into food for the algae and the coral.
In the ocean, corals have all the light and nutrients they need to thrive in abundance.
In the closed world of our reef tanks, however, we may need to give them a helping hand if they are to thrive.
That’s where dedicated coral foods come in…
Table of Contents
Top 5 Coral Foods
| # | Preview | Product | Quick Review |
| 1 |  | Quantum Bio-Enhance | Best Overall |
| 2 |  | Quantum Coral Cane | Excellent for spot feeding |
| 3 |  | Polyp Lab Reef Roids | Great results |
| 4 |  | Salifert Coral Food | OK |
| 5 |  | Vitalis Mixed Reef Coral Food | Works well |
Why You Should Use Coral Food
Most corals live symbiotically with zooxanthellae algae that live on their body. This type of algae uses photosynthesis to capture light and nutrients to transform them into food for themselves and the coral.
Other corals get their nutrition from bacteria or plankton. Other larger polyp corals capture live prey such as small shrimp, krill or even fish.
In a reef tank, most corals will do ok using just photosynthesis (provided you have adequate lighting) and capturing nutrients from fish and food waste.
However, in a tank with various different types of corals or a larger number of them, it’s important that you boost the nutrients available if they are to really thrive and grow.
What to Look for When Buying Coral Food
Corals need a variety of foods to be at their best in a reef tank. Whilst many corals can survive using just photosynthesis they will do better if you supplement their diet with additional nutrients.
Nutritional Value
Look for a coral food that will provide the protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates & vitamins that are vital for good coral growth
Granule Size
Some corals have larger mouths and some very small mouths so the size of the granules in coral food is important. Corals such as gonipora have tiny mouths so look for the smallest granules.
Larger mouthed corals like Scolymia and Lobophyllia will prefer a larger granule size.
Ease of Dosing
As you are going to be feeding your corals on a regular basis you don’t want it to become a chore or something you may forget.
So look for a food that is easy to prepare and add to your tank.
If you are going to be target feeding then this is something you can do as you feed your fish but can you add a food that can be broadcast fed? That is, just added to a high flow area of the tank so that it disperses throughout.
In that case, can you automate the process using a dosing pump? To do this you will need a coral food that can be dosed in this way.
Coral Food Product Reviews
Here are my reviews of the best coral food products:-
1. Quantum Bio-Enhance
Reef Essential Quantum Bio-Enhance provides protein, amino acids, fatty acids, carbohydrates & vitamins for enhancing coral tissue growth and colour.
Combines 5 separate products into an all-in-one complete nutrition supplement suited for SPS, LPS and mixed reef aquariums.
No refrigeration or stirring is required making it ideal for use with a dosing pump.
- Dosing:
- Low stocked = 0.50mL/100L per day
- Medium stocked = 0.75mL/100L per day
- High stocked = 1.00mL/100L per day
Pros
- Can be used with a dosing pump
- Refrigeration is not required
- Excellent results
- Great value
Cons
- Best for broadcast feeding only*
*For target feeding use Quantum’s Coral Cane or Reef Roids.
2. Quantum Coral Cane
Coral Cane is a complete coral food containing phytoplankton, zooplankton, and natural food sources.
It has a range of particle sizes, large enough for mouths as well as fine enough for polyps which makes it suitable for all types of coral.
Target dose using included scoop and activator.
Best used in conjunction with Quantum Bio-Enhance.
Pros
- Excellent for target feeding
- Use in conjunction with Quantum Bio-Enhance
Cons
- Not suitable for use with a dosing pump
- Can be difficult to get hold of in the UK
3. Polyp Lab Reef Roids
Reef Roids is a blend of naturally occurring marine plankton formulated to minimize water degradation.
Great for Goniopora, Zoanthids, Mushrooms, and all other filter feeding corals.
Whilst Reef Roids can be dispersed throughout the tank by broadcast feeding it is best used with a syringe to target feed while tank circulation is turned off.
For every 100 litres of tank volume, mix 1/4 teaspoon of Reef-Roids with some water from your tank.
Dose 1 – 2 times per week and it is recommended that you turn off any protein skimmer for 30 – 40 minutes after dosing.
Pros
- Broadcast or target feed
- Tiny particles
- Proven results
Cons
- Not suitable for use with a dosing pump
- Can raise nitrates and phosphates
4. Salifert Coral Food
Salifert Coral Food is suitable for soft, leather and hard corals. It contains encapsulated and dissolved fatty acids (including HUFA), carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and minerals.
Dose 5ml per 200 litres of water and whilst Salifert recommends daily dosing we suggest starting with a dose 2 – 4 times per week.
Pros
- Broadcast or target feed
- Refrigeration not required
Cons
- Not suitable for use with a dosing pump
- Can raise nitrates and phosphates
5. Vitalis Mixed Reef Coral Food
Vitalis Mixed Reef Coral Food emulates the suspended particulate matter found naturally in seawater.
A balanced feed digestible by both LPS and SPS corals.
Pros
- For LPS and SPS corals
Cons
- Not suitable for use with a dosing pump
- Can raise nitrates and phosphates
Conclusion
Quantum Bio-Enhance is our pick for best overall. Not only does it provide excellent results in both coral growth and colour but it can be easily dosed using a dosing pump.
If additional target feeding is required we recommend using Reef Roids.
Coral Food FAQs
How often should I feed coral? – For most coral food types we’d recommend 1 – 2 times per week. Liquid foods, suitable for automated dosing, can be fed daily. Always follow the instructions and err on the cautious side.
Can you overfeed coral? – Yes and no. You can’t really overfeed coral but you can overfeed your tank. This can lead to a rise in nitrates and phosphates which could lead to algae problems. Excessive algae can then smother and kill corals.
What is the best time to feed corals? – Many corals extend their polyps at night so this is thought to be a good time to feed them. However, as this is not necessarily convenient we suggest feeding at a time that suits you and your corals will likely adapt to that.
Do corals prefer high-nutrient water? – Some do and some don’t. Soft corals such as mushrooms and zoas like so-called “dirty water” that is higher in nitrates. Other corals. particularly SPS corals must have very low nutrients. A mixed reef containing both types of corals is therefore something of a challenge.