feeding corals

Manwolf · 02/25/2010, 08:52 AM

How much of a difference does it make to spot feed sps/lps/zoas in their growth? Is it worth spot feeding them or from what i put in for my fish enough for the corals as well?

thegrun · 02/25/2010, 09:27 AM

It realy depends on the coral. Some don't need spot feeding at all (zoas, mushrooms, xenia...), for others (Carnation, Duncan..) it is a must.

IslandCrow · 02/25/2010, 10:04 AM

As thegrun said, it depends on the coral. For many, the difference is pretty significant, though. Most, if not all, corals require a nitrogen source in addition to the carbon based glucose they receive from their zooxanthallae. This doesn't always mean you have to specifically feed them of course, but I have a feeling many of our corals are deficient in this area. I've noticed significant growth when spot feeding Caulastrea (candy cane corals), Favids, Trachyphyllia (open brain corals), Acanthastrea ("Acans"), certain palythoas and zoanthids, and the few mushrooms that seem to accept spot feeding (like green harry mushrooms). I believe (as do most, if not all, experts in the field) SPS benefit just as much from directed feedings. The problem there is that they tend to accept only a fairly specific size food, generally at the micro-plankton range I believe. Things like oyster eggs along with certain foods specifically manufactured for corals should work well.

All that said, your corals are probably consuming more plankton than you realize. With all the zooplankton and bacterioplankton naturally in your tank, there's no doubt the corals are managing to snag some of this. That's why we can get away with not spot feeding most of them.

spamreefnew · 02/25/2010, 10:05 AM

feeding corals is a double edged sword imo. yes it well make them grow a lil faster but it will also add more phosphates and nitrates to the water. i try to feed only every other day

spw4949 · 02/25/2010, 10:24 AM

I feed my trachyphyllia, oulophyllia, duncan & acans at least 3 times a week, meaty foods, usually I alternate between squid, ocean perch from the grocery store, & mysis & I have definately seen increased coloration, growth & polyp extension, especially compared to some of my other LPS that I rarely spot feed........

02/25/2010, 08:52 AM	#1
Manwolf Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Buffalo Grove Posts: 391	feeding corals How much of a difference does it make to spot feed sps/lps/zoas in their growth? Is it worth spot feeding them or from what i put in for my fish enough for the corals as well?

02/25/2010, 10:04 AM	#3
IslandCrow Reef Monkey Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Rockledge, Fl Posts: 5,759	As thegrun said, it depends on the coral. For many, the difference is pretty significant, though. Most, if not all, corals require a nitrogen source in addition to the carbon based glucose they receive from their zooxanthallae. This doesn't always mean you have to specifically feed them of course, but I have a feeling many of our corals are deficient in this area. I've noticed significant growth when spot feeding Caulastrea (candy cane corals), Favids, Trachyphyllia (open brain corals), Acanthastrea ("Acans"), certain palythoas and zoanthids, and the few mushrooms that seem to accept spot feeding (like green harry mushrooms). I believe (as do most, if not all, experts in the field) SPS benefit just as much from directed feedings. The problem there is that they tend to accept only a fairly specific size food, generally at the micro-plankton range I believe. Things like oyster eggs along with certain foods specifically manufactured for corals should work well. All that said, your corals are probably consuming more plankton than you realize. With all the zooplankton and bacterioplankton naturally in your tank, there's no doubt the corals are managing to snag some of this. That's why we can get away with not spot feeding most of them. __________________ All opinions in the above message should be taken with 35 ppt salt. -Mike C. Current Tank Info: I have a reef screen saver on my phone, does that count?

02/25/2010, 10:24 AM	#5
spw4949 Registered Member. Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Albany, N.Y. Posts: 1,594	I feed my trachyphyllia, oulophyllia, duncan & acans at least 3 times a week, meaty foods, usually I alternate between squid, ocean perch from the grocery store, & mysis & I have definately seen increased coloration, growth & polyp extension, especially compared to some of my other LPS that I rarely spot feed........ __________________ Steve Current Tank Info: 46 gal bowfront, mixed reef, 2x250W current outer orbit w/4x39W T5 ,10 gal fuge....38 gallon aggressive FOWLR, 10 gallon sump.

02/25/2010, 09:27 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	It realy depends on the coral. Some don't need spot feeding at all (zoas, mushrooms, xenia...), for others (Carnation, Duncan..) it is a must.

02/25/2010, 10:05 AM	#4
spamreefnew Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: rhodeisland Posts: 1,491	feeding corals is a double edged sword imo. yes it well make them grow a lil faster but it will also add more phosphates and nitrates to the water. i try to feed only every other day