Q: What is the best food for coral?

 

A: "Personally," says Mark Martin, director of marine ornamental research at Blue Zoo Aquatics, "I like Blue Zoo Ultimate Reef Fish and Coral Diet (aka Blue Zoo Mix). It is our own brand of food and it's what we use to feed our coral. The big advantage is the variety in size of the particulate matter. It's got both cyclopeeze and golden pearls, and, since most corals are carnivores, the different micron sizes of golden pearls comes in really handy for different polyp sizes. 

 

"In terms of how to feed it, always feed under the water's surface--don't sprinkle it on top. You can also use a float feeding ring. Make sure to feed "upstream" from the target coral, and consider turning off filtration pumps during coral feeding (but leave circulation pumps on).

 

"As for frequency, it's best to feed a couple of times a week for most coral species. For faster growth, many people will feed more often than that, but you have to watch your nutrient levels carefully.

 

"In addition, Blue Zoo Mix encourages intense coloration in fish and corals, and the potent attractants (just smell it!) encourage voracious feeding. It's just great stuff!"