Feeding your corals can feel mysterious at first, but once you understand what they eat and how they capture food, it becomes one of the most rewarding parts of reef keeping. Proper nutrition supports vibrant color, faster growth, and better resilience to stress in your reef tank.

What Do Corals Actually Eat?

Most corals are not strictly plants or animals in the way we usually think. They get energy in two main ways:

• Light (photosynthesis): Zooxanthellae algae living in coral tissue convert light into energy.
• Food (heterotrophy): Corals use tentacles and mucus nets to capture small particles and plankton from the water.

Even “low-maintenance” corals benefit from targeted feeding. Some rely heavily on light, while others demand regular meals. For a deeper dive into coral types and care levels, see our guide on beginner soft corals.

Types of Coral Foods

Modern reef foods are designed to match the natural diet of corals. The most common options are:

• Phytoplankton: Microscopic plants ideal for filter feeders, soft corals, and clams.
• Zooplankton: Rotifers, copepods, and other tiny animals that many LPS and some SPS corals will consume.
• Powdered coral foods: Fine blends of marine proteins and amino acids that can be broadcast or target fed.
• Meaty foods: Finely chopped shrimp, mysis, or clam pieces for large-polyp corals with visible mouths.

Most reef keepers use a mix of these foods to cover a wide range of coral species. For help choosing brands and particle sizes, check our comparison in Best Coral Foods for Reef Tanks.

How to Feed Corals: Methods & Timing

Broadcast Feeding

Broadcast feeding means adding diluted food to the water column and letting the flow distribute it throughout the tank.

• Ideal for tanks with many small polyps and filter feeders.
• Mix food with tank water in a cup, then pour slowly into high-flow areas.
• Keep portions small to avoid nutrient spikes.

Target Feeding

Target feeding delivers food directly to coral mouths using a pipette, turkey baster, or coral feeder.

• Turn off return pump and powerheads for 10–20 minutes.
• Gently squirt food just above the coral, allowing it to settle onto the polyps.
• Avoid blasting tissue; slow and steady is best.

Pro tip: Many corals extend feeding tentacles after lights dim. Try feeding 30–60 minutes after your main lights go out for stronger feeding responses.

How Often Should You Feed?

• Low-nutrient SPS systems: 2–3 light feedings per week.
• Mixed reefs: 3–4 moderate feedings per week.
• LPS-heavy tanks: 2–3 target feedings with meaty foods per week.

Always adjust based on your nutrient levels and algae growth. If you’re battling nuisance algae, scale back feeding and review your export methods. Our article on controlling nutrients in reef tanks can help you find the right balance.

Keeping Corals Healthy While Feeding

Feeding adds fuel to your reef, but it also adds waste. To keep corals thriving while maintaining water quality:

• Use a quality protein skimmer and rinse mechanical filters regularly.
• Test nitrate and phosphate weekly when dialing in a new feeding routine.
• Feed small portions and watch coral response—swollen tissue and strong polyp extension are good signs.
• Siphon uneaten meaty food after feeding sessions.

With a thoughtful feeding plan, your corals can show richer color, better growth, and more natural behavior. Start conservatively, observe your tank’s response, and adjust over time. Coral feeding is as much art as science, and learning what your specific reef prefers is part of the fun of the hobby.