How to Feed Phytoplankton to Corals

Although many corals are able to make their own foods using photosynthesis, this is not usually enough to keep coral alive in a home aquarium. On the barrier reefs, corals feed on a variety of floating organic debris, tiny animals and algae. Most corals will benefit from being fed with a "marine snow" formula for filter-feeding invertebrates. These consist of a combination of phytoplankton, zooplankton, trace elements and particulate and dissolved organic material designed to replicate the natural "organic soup" found in the ocean. More difficult to find is live phytoplankton, but it is sometimes available in specialty markets, or can be ordered online.

Things You'll Need

  • Phytoplankton solution or powder
  • Syringe
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Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off your pumps and filtration.

    • 2

      Shake product well, or mix with saltwater if it is a powder.

    • 3

      Follow the manufacturer's dosage instructions for the particular product you have purchased. For example, one popular product, Two Little Fishies Marine Snow, recommends dosage is one cap for twenty gallons of water. ZooPlex's formula suggests 10ml per 50 gallons of water daily.

    • 4

      Fill syringe with product. Hold the syringe several inches away from the individual corals. Slowly release product onto the corals.

    • 5

      Keep filtration turned off for half an hour to an hour, though you may turn on pumps, aerators or water circulators.

    • 6

      Feed daily to twice weekly, keeping an eye on your nitrites and nitrates, as well as the health of your corals. Adjust feeding schedule accordingly.