Last Updated: June 9, 2026
Corals get much of their energy from light and the symbiotic algae in their tissue, but targeted feeding can dramatically improve growth, color, and polyp extension, especially for LPS, soft corals, and filter feeders. The right coral food delivers the correct particle size and nutrient profile for the corals you keep, without fouling your water. This guide compares five well-known coral foods, from fine planktonic powders that trigger feeding responses to amino acid supplements that support tissue health. Whether you keep a mixed nano reef or a dedicated LPS system, there is a feeding option below to match. For the bigger picture on keeping corals thriving, start with our saltwater coral care guide.
Top Picks Reviewed
1. Polyplab Reef-Roids Coral Food (75g)
Reef-Roids is one of the most recognized coral foods in the hobby. It is a blend of marine planktons originally developed for feeding Goniopora, with a particle size around 150 to 200 microns that suits a wide range of filter-feeding corals including zoanthids, mushrooms, and many LPS. It is formulated to minimize water degradation, making it practical for smaller systems. Check it on Amazon
2. Polyplab Professional Reef-Roids (150g)
The Professional Reef-Roids is the same trusted formula in a larger 150g size aimed at faster coral growth. For reefers running bigger systems or feeding frequently, the larger jar is more economical than buying small containers repeatedly. The feeding approach is the same: target filter feeders with a fine planktonic blend. Check it on Amazon
3. Coral Frenzy The Ultimate Coral Food (56g)
Coral Frenzy is an all-in-one coral food containing ingredients such as oyster larvae, salmon roe, fish protein, rotifers, copepods, and daphnia. Its broad particle size range, from roughly 53 to 1700 microns, lets it feed everything from SPS and LPS to zoanthids and softies, which makes it a versatile choice for mixed reefs. Check it on Amazon
4. Coral Frenzy 0.5mm Reef & Fish Pellet
This pellet version of Coral Frenzy is designed to feed both corals and reef fish in one product. The 0.5mm pellets suit larger-mouthed corals and small reef fish, so it works well when you want a single food that supports the whole tank rather than separate coral and fish feedings. Check it on Amazon
5. Brightwell Aquatics CoralAmino
CoralAmino from Brightwell Aquatics is a complex of free-form amino acids rather than a particulate food. Amino acids support coral tissue building and can help with color and growth when used alongside a particulate food. It is dosed as a liquid supplement, so it pairs naturally with one of the planktonic foods above. Check it on Amazon
Matching Coral Food to Coral Type
Different corals capture different particle sizes. Small-polyp stony (SPS) corals and many soft corals take very fine particles, while large-polyp stony (LPS) corals can grab larger pieces and even pellets. Filter feeders like Goniopora and certain non-photosynthetic corals rely heavily on planktonic foods such as Reef-Roids. Choosing a food whose particle size overlaps with the corals you keep is the single most important factor in a good feeding response.
How to Feed Corals Without Fouling the Water
The most common mistake is overfeeding. Target-feed corals using a turkey baster or feeding syringe, and turn off or reduce flow for a few minutes so food settles on polyps instead of blowing away. Feed small amounts two to three times per week rather than one large dose. Keep your nutrient export strong with regular water changes and, on saltwater systems, a protein skimmer such as those in our nano reef equipment guide.
Building a Simple Feeding Routine
A practical routine for a mixed reef is a particulate food two to three times weekly, with an amino acid supplement on alternating days to support color. Watch your corals: extended polyps and visible feeding tentacles after dosing tell you the food and particle size are a good match. If you keep clownfish or other reef fish, coordinate coral feeding with your fish schedule, and see our clownfish care guide and beginner marine fish guide for stocking ideas.
Powder, Pellet, or Liquid: Which Format to Choose
Coral foods come in several formats, and each suits a different feeding style. Fine powders like Reef-Roids are mixed with a little tank water and target-fed in a cloud, which is ideal for filter feeders and small-polyp corals. Pellets such as the Coral Frenzy reef-and-fish blend work for larger LPS and reef fish that grab bigger pieces. Liquid amino supplements are dosed straight into the water column to support tissue and color rather than to fill bellies. Many reefers keep one of each on hand and rotate them, since variety in coral nutrition tends to produce the best long-term growth and coloration. Whichever format you choose, store opened powders in a cool, dry place and keep liquids sealed to preserve potency. Strong flow from an aquarium wave maker also helps carry suspended food to corals across the tank before it settles out.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my corals?
For most mixed reefs, two to three targeted feedings per week is a good starting point. Adjust based on coral growth and water quality, feeding more lightly if nutrients climb.
Do all corals need to be fed?
Not necessarily. Many photosynthetic corals get most of their energy from light, but targeted feeding still improves growth and color. Filter feeders like Goniopora benefit the most from planktonic foods.
What is the difference between a particulate food and an amino acid supplement?
Particulate foods like Reef-Roids and Coral Frenzy provide physical food particles corals capture and digest. Amino acid supplements like CoralAmino are liquid building blocks that support tissue and color, and are best used alongside a particulate food.
Will coral food cause algae problems?
Overfeeding can raise nutrients and fuel algae. Feed small amounts, target-feed corals directly, and maintain good export through water changes and skimming to keep this in check.
