How to Feed Corals in a Reef Tank

It has been discussed and debated -- by those who keep coral reefs in a tank aquarium as a hobby -- whether it's necessary to feed the coral. Most of the time, the zooxanthellae found living in the polyps of the coral provide all the food and nutrients needed. However, additional feeding and care of the coral may be required to support its full life cycle and encourage growth.

Things You'll Need

  • Brine shrimp eggs
  • Microplankton
  • Tank light
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Instructions

    • 1

      Keep the tank well-lit to encourage the growth of zooxanthellae, which naturally provide food and nutrients for the coral. Zooxanthella is a unicellular algae that provides food for the coral through its photosynthesis process.

    • 2

      Feed the coral approximately every one to two days. The amount and frequency will vary greatly, depending on how many different types of coral and other animals you have living in the same tank.

    • 3

      Turn off the lights in your aquarium approximately 1 hour before feeding your coral at night. This will allow for the feeder tentacles to come out.

    • 4

      Turn off the water current in your tank when feeding the coral. This will allow for the food to fall on top of the feeding tentacles.

    • 5

      Place approximately 1/2 teaspoon of brine shrimp eggs per 50 gallons of water in the tank, just above the coral. The same amount of newly hatched brine shrimp can also be added to the tank.

    • 6

      Add approximately 1/2 teaspoon of microplankton per 50 gallons of water to the tank. This can be added in addition to the brine shrimp or alternated for separate feedings.