Your Thoughts on Coral Feeding?

[Coralsdaily]

Hello Everyone, Steven here! Thank you for stopping in to join our reef discussion today. If you like to skip the reading and rather enjoy the coral feeding show with my narration, please feel free to click the video below.


Corals are animals, and all animals need to consume something in order to survive. Although it is true that some corals have other means to obtain energy, but does it mean they are completely independent from consuming food? Well, let’s discuss this.

When it comes to energy extraction, we can generally divide the corals available in today’s hobby into two groups: photosynthetic, and non-photosynthetic.

Photosynthetic corals- Just about everyone with a true reef tank and invest in expensive lighting is familiar with this group. Just about all of your vibrantly colored corals falls into this group. The symbiotic relationship between the coral and the zooxanthellae it houses is mutually beneficial. The zooxanthellae algae received protection, and provide coral its excess energy in return for the protection (sounds pretty gangster).

The zooxanthellae living within this coral helps provide this dashing shades of pink, purple, and green.

Non-Photosynthetic corals- These corals tend to live in deeper, dimmer conditions and thus are not suitable hosts for the photo-hungry zooxanthellae to dwell in. Instead, they rely on their tentacles to capture food in the water column for energy.

It is obvious that the second group, if you have them, will undoubtedly require regular feeding in order to thrive. So we can safely set them aside from today’s discussion as the answer is 100% conclusive.

What remains controversial, or I should say hotly debated is the need for feeding for the first group. Do corals with symbiotic photosynthetic algae providing energy will still require feeding? In my personal opinion the answer is a simple YES. Here is the reason why- Even though the zooxanthellae hosed within corals can provide more than enough energy for the coral to consume, and grow, it fails to provide anymore than just that. To put it in a human perspective- you would never want to feed your growing child just plain bread everyday would you? Sure if you give them a large enough of a loaf daily they will receive all the calories they need to sustain the basic functions. But what about vitamin? What about minerals? protein? fiber? fat? all of which are essential for a growing child. This is where coral feeding comes in to help supply what the algae can’t provide.

tentacles extending in anticipation for food

Have you ever wondered why corals have long, extending polyps, especially after dark? They are obviously not for decoration. In the case of large polyp corals, some of them have tentacles rivals that of an anemone, and can deliver quite a punch when stinging. They are meant to be used as such!

Large polyp stony corals such as lobophyllia, euphyllia, acans, etc are meant to be fed not just reguarly, but chuncky food such as mysis shrimp and minced or finely chopped treats. In my experience, the colonies that receive regular feeding all appear far happier, puffier, and experience faster growth than those don’t.

these tentacles normally stay retracted, but when you get in the habit of feeding, you can “train” corals to extend them when you are ready to feed.

Small polyp stony corals will require finely ground treats, or planktonic mixes to capture with their very small polyps to help sustain. I know some fellow hobbyists will vote against feeding, and claim that their corals are thriving despite dedicated feeding regiment. My argument to that is- those who do not feed, are also having the tendency of either having “dirtier” water with higher nutrient mix, or performing regular dosing of nutrients and key elements into the water. You may not be deliberately feeding them to the mouth, but believe it or not through osmosis, corals’ regular inflate and deflate of soft tissue does take in and absorb the nutrient as a mean of feeding.

So in conclusion. Does coral require regular feeding? Absolutely yes! The second question is: What do you feed them? Well I’ve already answered this question when it comes to the large polyp stony folks- you feed them what you feed fish basically (with some isolation needed if your fish/shrimp have a tendency to pirate food from corals). As for the small polyp stony corals, I have obtained four different corals foods and I will be performing my feeding tutorial, best practices, and product review for these four coral/invert foods in the up-coming episodes. Please stay tuned for them.

I would love to hear from you. Do you feed your corals? What do you feed them with, and how often? Feel free to join the discussion! Ciao!

 

[ichthyogeek]

I think you forgot about the soft corals and corallimorphians (mushroom anemones). A better title would have been "Your thoughts on SPS/LPS/NPS feeding".

Fairly good writeup, I've always had better success with LPS when they've been fed; Micromussas are gluttons, and really enjoy BBS. Galaxeas are a bit more picky, they'll also take BBS, but they really need a bit less flow when feeding to properly get their food; I've had better success with BBS than with the mysis that a lot of people recommend.

 

[Coralsdaily]

I think you forgot about the soft corals and corallimorphians (mushroom anemones). A better title would have been "Your thoughts on SPS/LPS/NPS feeding".

Fairly good writeup, I've always had better success with LPS when they've been fed; Micromussas are gluttons, and really enjoy BBS. Galaxeas are a bit more picky, they'll also take BBS, but they really need a bit less flow when feeding to properly get their food; I've had better success with BBS than with the mysis that a lot of people recommend.

You're right, I did left out the soft corals, not entirely intentional but I thought I'd dive deeper when I review each of the coral food products. Though personally I've separated soft corals from my stony coral systems and my soft coral systems tend to be VERY dirty so even without feeding they are growing like weed!

 

[C. Eymann]

While I do agree that feeding can lead to faster growth,resilience and possibly better coloration, however zooanxthelle isnt what gives coral its bright pretty colors, its actually chromaprotiens the coral produces that gives us the pinks, purples, blues etc etc that we love,

That being said, for most photosynthetic corals in our reef tanks, feeding them isn't absolutely necessary for their survival as long as N/P is kept in ideal levels, but there are proven benefits of providing suspended foods.

However, will find some people that disregard peer reviewed studies and evolutionary architecture that think feeding coral foods has no direct benefits at all as long as N/P are kept in ideal ranges.

Their argument is that that added coral food boost N/P and the coral do not utilize the actual food particles provided, that the bump in N/P is what causes our perceived improvements- again even though multiple studies have been done to dispell this notion, silly talk if you ask me.

Im a proponent of providing suspended broadcast feedings regularly with a diverse size and types of food items as well as occasional target feeding some LPS corals.
Compared to their natural environment one of the biggest aspects our closed systems lack in is suspended food availability.

In my experience regular use of a diverse blend of coral foods seems to be working pretty well....

 

[Coralsdaily]

While I do agree that feeding can lead to faster growth,resilience and possibly better coloration, however zooanxthelle isnt what gives coral its bright pretty colors, its actually chromaprotiens the coral produces that gives us the pinks, purples, blues etc etc that we love,

That being said, for most photosynthetic corals in our reef tanks, feeding them isn't absolutely necessary for their survival as long as N/P is kept in ideal levels, but there are proven benefits of providing suspended foods.

However, will find some people that disregard peer reviewed studies and evolutionary architecture that think feeding coral foods has no direct benefits at all as long as N/P are kept in ideal ranges.

Their argument is that that added coral food boost N/P and the coral do not utilize the actual food particles provided, that the bump in N/P is what causes our perceived improvements- again even though multiple studies have been done to dispell this notion, silly talk if you ask me.

Im a proponent of providing suspended broadcast feedings regularly with a diverse size and types of food items as well as occasional target feeding some LPS corals.
Compared to their natural environment one of the biggest aspects our closed systems lack in is suspended food availability.

In my experience regular use of a diverse blend of coral foods seems to be working pretty well....

I don't think one standard practice is the end all be all. And given the hundreds of different species of corals we have available in the hobby I am sure you can't just apply one rule for all. Some corals will benefit more from feeding than others, while some would be very independently self sufficient. You are right on the chromaproteins and color, would be happy to hear your thoughts on what helps coral achieve brighter color based on this.
There will always be different opinions, and what works for one may not necessarily work for another even on the same species of coral simply because everyone's set up, and livestock make up is all slightly different. So it's important that we share our experiences for others to consider, but to also keep an open mind for different voices and to experiment different approaches.

 

[adtravels]

its actually chromaprotiens the coral produces that gives us the pinks, purples, blues etc etc that we love,

And the precursors of chomaprotiens are....
I spot feed all my sps and LPS, a mixture of easy reefs sps (dry) and fauna marin min s and coral sprint every 4 days and then coral balance every 4 days. I als dose amino acids (red sea or FM).

My LPS actively uptake the food (visually) the acropora holds the food in a mucus which then sloughs off when the pumps go back on. its debatable if the polyps get anything with the acro. I hope there is some absoprtion through the coral tissue.
My stylo and montipora actually close their polyps on contact with the food.

I have seen a big improvement in color with this method. My export is then heavy via a filter roller and skimmer.

 

[Coralsdaily]

And the precursors of chomaprotiens are....
I spot feed all my sps and LPS, a mixture of easy reefs sps (dry) and fauna marin min s and coral sprint every 4 days and then coral balance every 4 days. I als dose amino acids (red sea or FM).

My LPS actively uptake the food (visually) the acropora holds the food in a mucus which then sloughs off when the pumps go back on. its debatable if the polyps get anything with the acro. I hope there is some absoprtion through the coral tissue.
My stylo and montipora actually close their polyps on contact with the food.

I have seen a big improvement in color with this method. My export is then heavy via a filter roller and skimmer.

Do you see visible improvement on coloration when you dose coral balance & amino acid?

 

[TN_Huskymama]

I do spot feed all of my coral with Reef Roids 3 times a week, add phytoplankton every other day, and just started using some Brightwell aquatics KoralColor. I only started this regime maybe 2 months ago, but I am noticing a big difference. My corals look healthier. I am pretty sure I am not doing this right, or I could use a better product combination. I am still very new to this so all advice is welcomed!
I have a mix of softies and LPS.

 

[adtravels]

Do you see visible improvement on coloration when you dose coral balance & amino acid?

It is subjective but I recently added a SS frag that was green and brown, it changed very quickly to green and pink with the increased feeding regime. I also bought a wild random plating sps that was white and showing some rtn. That stopped immediately in my tank and the coral has now become pink and yellow and the polys are fully extended. My encrusting monti collection have also gained a much deeper, more robust color on the tissue and polyps.

I just really like Coral balance, it smells nice and I feel its doing good (complete anti-science)

 

[JMR5]

My meat coral came back from the brink of death, and is now trained to extend his tentacles at feeding time! He likes mysis and the tiny pellets meant for little fish. Same goes for my banki. Hammers like shrimp, but not always. The candy cane heads will chomp a shrimp, and then be good for awhile. I spot feed the first two, and mostly spot the other two. Everyone else (lots of acros, some acans, favias, a tiny scoly, cyphastreas, and a micromussa for good measure) all get broadcast live phyto/zoo/aminos daily (aminos mostly low dose a couple times a week). Feeding those with a mouth definitely makes a difference in my tanks.

 

[Coralsdaily]

It is subjective but I recently added a SS frag that was green and brown, it changed very quickly to green and pink with the increased feeding regime. I also bought a wild random plating sps that was white and showing some rtn. That stopped immediately in my tank and the coral has now become pink and yellow and the polys are fully extended. My encrusting monti collection have also gained a much deeper, more robust color on the tissue and polyps.

I just really like Coral balance, it smells nice and I feel its doing good (complete anti-science)

Both examples you have are from another locale to your tank, I just wonder if it's simply due to the better water quality and lighting?

 

[Coralsdaily]

My meat coral came back from the brink of death, and is now trained to extend his tentacles at feeding time! He likes mysis and the tiny pellets meant for little fish. Same goes for my banki. Hammers like shrimp, but not always. The candy cane heads will chomp a shrimp, and then be good for awhile. I spot feed the first two, and mostly spot the other two. Everyone else (lots of acros, some acans, favias, a tiny scoly, cyphastreas, and a micromussa for good measure) all get broadcast live phyto/zoo/aminos daily (aminos mostly low dose a couple times a week). Feeding those with a mouth definitely makes a difference in my tanks.

I loved my meat when I had one simply for watching it feeding.... I ran out of space. You know I tried to feed my euphyllia corals but I was never 100% sure if they actually ingest the food, or just captured and then eventually let go.

 

[BG107]

I do spot feed all of my coral with Reef Roids 3 times a week, add phytoplankton every other day, and just started using some Brightwell aquatics KoralColor. I only started this regime maybe 2 months ago, but I am noticing a big difference. My corals look healthier. I am pretty sure I am not doing this right, or I could use a better product combination. I am still very new to this so all advice is welcomed!
I have a mix of softies and LPS.

How long did it take dosing the Koralcolor for results? Also does it add to nutrients in your system? I am thinking about starting to dose it? And lastly, lol, does it make your skimmer go cray?

 

[Coralsdaily]

How long did it take dosing the Koralcolor for results? Also does it add to nutrients in your system? I am thinking about starting to dose it? And lastly, lol, does it make your skimmer go cray?

I'd like to know about the Koralcolor feedback too. And good question on skimmer reaction, I'd like to know too.

 

[Nathan Milender]

I use reef chili and LRS. The LPS respond well to it. The sps did not really seem to do much with food. I have been struggling with some bleaching issues so I recently added KZ extra special and snow. There was a turnaround in color within one week which was surprising considering the small dosing. I have no idea what is in it, but the sps responded to it.

 

[Coralsdaily]

I use reef chili and LRS. The LPS respond well to it. The sps did not really seem to do much with food. I have been struggling with some bleaching issues so I recently added KZ extra special and snow. There was a turnaround in color within one week which was surprising considering the small dosing. I have no idea what is in it, but the sps responded to it.

Interesting! I just posted a review for Nyos Instant Plankton, and my next review is going to be Reef Chilli, which I have not opened. Do you like it so far? Any pro-tips on dosing it?

 

[JMR5]

I loved my meat when I had one simply for watching it feeding.... I ran out of space. You know I tried to feed my euphyllia corals but I was never 100% sure if they actually ingest the food, or just captured and then eventually let go.

Me too! though man....Meatloaf (I name things LOL) is soooooooo slow. I have to shoo the fish away sometimes so he has time to close on his meal. Though as his health improved, the tentacles are fatter and grippier it seems, so that helps. Interesting on the hammer....I watch them capture, but you're right. No clue if they actually eat. I've also watched them drift onto tentacles and eventually just float away when there's no response, so I just assumed they were eating what was grabbed. My banki is the fast one, instantly closes around whatever I give it (just one head that's been growing). Though shrimp, it's less likely to open the next day for food. This stuff is fascinating to watch, clearly. LOL

 

[LeftyReefer]

You know I tried to feed my euphyllia corals but I was never 100% sure if they actually ingest the food, or just captured and then eventually let go.

THIS!!!

 

[Ike]

1.) You're oversimplifying and corals are not divided into two groups, nor can you accurately make the statement that "nps" corals tend to be from deeper or deep water.

2.) Many corals are highly autotrophic, and while feeding may be beneficial, direct feeding for corals is often not necessary for them to thrive. It's also very important to consider micron sizes and what the "food" is made up of. Most foods in the hobby, even many promoted to be for "SPS" corals, are too large for corals like Montipora and Acropora. Most small planktonic foods and finely ground food is still too large. This is a VERY important factor when considering what to feed what coral and requires more research than most people are willing to do.

3.) Zooxanthellae is brown or green.

4.) Corals are not humans, you can't put their needs and energy requirements in a human perspective...

5.) All that said, I'm all for feeding corals the appropriate foods. My approach has simply become broadcast feeding large amounts of flake food, some ground in my gingers. It's very scientific!

I'll stop there, but your thread is full of misrepresentations and misinformation and you're presenting yourself as some type of authority and making some very bold statements that are simply not 100% true. Please don't take this personally or as an attack in any way, I just think it's important that we not continue to perpetuate repeating some of the mistaken beliefs in this hobby.

Cheers!

 

[Coralsdaily]

1.) You're oversimplifying and corals are not divided into two groups, nor can you accurately make the statement that "nps" corals tend to be from deeper or deep water.

2.) Many corals are highly autotrophic, and while feeding may be beneficial, direct feeding for corals is often not necessary for them to thrive. It's also very important to consider micron sizes and what the "food" is made up of. Most foods in the hobby, even many promoted to be for "SPS" corals, are too large for corals like Montipora and Acropora. Most small planktonic foods and finely ground food is still too large. This is a VERY important factor when considering what to feed what coral and requires more research than most people are willing to do.

3.) Zooxanthellae is brown or green.

4.) Corals are not humans, you can't put their needs and energy requirements in a human perspective...

5.) All that said, I'm all for feeding corals the appropriate foods. My approach has simply become broadcast feeding large amounts of flake food, some ground in my gingers. It's very scientific!

I'll stop there, but your thread is full of misrepresentations and misinformation and you're presenting yourself as some type of authority and making some very bold statements that are simply not 100% true. Please don't take this personally or as an attack in any way, I just think it's important that we not continue to perpetuate repeating some of the mistaken beliefs in this hobby.

Cheers!

Glad to have your input. This is not meant to be a journal entry of professional study, simply my opinion on the topic based on personal experience. Hence I made the disclaimer that everything is a personal opinion, and also stated that this is certainly a controversial topic as there are many polar opinions. Also, that's why I put here for discussion so that people with different experiences can chip in and share! Someone has to open the pandora's box right?