Reef tanks thrive on balance — but feeding is where most fail. Pellets sink, corals starve, and fish pick at scraps. The secret? A layered nutrition strategy that mimics the wild: live pods for protein, phytoplankton for corals, and supplements for color. This guide maps it all — from daily routines to seasonal tweaks — so your reef runs like nature intended.
The Nutrition Pyramid: Build from the Bottom Up
Think food chain, not grocery run. Reef nutrition stacks like this:
- Base: Microalgae — PhycoPure™ fuels pods and corals
- Middle: Live zooplankton — Tisbe pods and rotifers for fish fry
- Top: Targeted proteins — Zoo-Plasm™ for filter feeders
Skip the base, and everything collapses. A 2024 Reef2Reef poll showed 72% of coral losses tied to underfeeding at the micro level.
Core Layers:
- Phytoplankton: 70% of coral energy
- Copepods: 40% fry survival boost
- Rotifers: Mandarin starter food
Left: PhycoPure™ Reef Blend (micro base). Right: Zoo-Plasm™ Pods (zooplankton layer).
Live Foods vs. Prepared: The Real Comparison
Pellets are convenient, but live wins every time. Here's why:
- Bioavailability: Live pods deliver HUFAs intact — 85% absorption vs. 40% for flakes
- Behavior trigger: Swimming prey sparks natural hunting, reducing stress
- Ecosystem ripple: Pods recycle waste, dropping nitrates 15–20%
- Color pop: Carotenoids from phyto boost LPS vibrancy in 30 days
- Long-term health: Fry on rotifers hit 90% metamorphosis vs. 55% on dry
Transition tip: Start with 50/50 mix. Dose PhycoPure™ Reef Blend twice weekly to bridge the gap.
Dosing Schedules: Weekly Rhythm for Balance
Overfeed, and you crash. Underfeed, and corals bleach. Here's the rhythm:
- Monday/Wednesday: 1 mL PhycoPure™ per 10 gallons (corals + pods)
- Tuesday/Thursday: Broadcast Tisbe pods (1 mL per 20 gallons)
- Friday: Rotifer pulse for mandarins (0.5 mL targeted)
- Weekend: Spot-feed Zoo-Plasm™ to LPS/SPS
Adjust for tank size: Nano (under 20 gal) halve doses. Monitor with a refractometer — aim for 1.025 SG.
"Switched to live layering — my acros went from brown to neon in 6 weeks. No more guessing."
— Alex T., verified reef keeper
Nutrition by Tank Type: Tailored Plans
| Tank Type | Primary Food KEY | Dosing Frequency ADJUST |
|---|---|---|
| Mixed Reef | PhycoPure™ + Tisbe | 3x phyto, 2x pods weekly |
| SPS Dominant | Reef Blend + Zoo-Plasm™ | Daily micro, spot-feed corals |
| Fish-Only | Rotifers + pellets | 2x live, alternate dry |
| Nano | Phyto-Plasm™ Green | Halve all — 1x weekly max |
Seasonal Tweaks: Adapt to Your Environment
Summer heat spikes metabolism — double phyto doses. Winter slowdown? Cut to bi-weekly. Pro move: Test alkalinity (8–9 dKH) before ramping up.
Troubleshooting: Common Nutrition Pitfalls
- Corals not extending? Increase phyto to 2 mL per 10 gallons; check flow.
- Fish ignoring food? Alternate live rotifers with Zoo-Plasm™.
- Algae explosion? Balance with 20% pod seeding; reduce light 1 hour.
FAQ: Reef Tank Nutrition Basics
How often to dose phytoplankton in reef tanks?
2–3 times weekly, 1 mL per 10 gallons. Adjust for coral density.
Are live foods better than pellets for reefs?
Yes — higher absorption and natural behavior triggers.
What feeds corals in reef tanks?
Phytoplankton for energy, zooplankton for proteins — layer both.
Related: Copepods Guide | Rotifers Guide | All Products
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