Best Food for LPS Corals

LPS corals, or Large Polyp Stony corals, are a popular choice for reef tanks. They add colour, texture, and life to any aquarium. But keeping them healthy and vibrant means feeding them the right food. In this post, I’ll share what works best for LPS corals and how to make feeding easier and more effective.

Understanding LPS Coral Nutrition

LPS corals have large fleshy polyps that can capture food particles from the water. Unlike some corals that rely mostly on light and photosynthesis, LPS corals benefit from direct feeding. They get energy from their symbiotic algae, but they also need extra nutrients to grow and stay colourful.

LPS corals eat a variety of foods, including:

• Small meaty particles like brine shrimp or mysis shrimp

  
  

• Phytoplankton and other tiny plant-like organisms

  
  

• Prepared coral foods designed for their needs

  
  
  
  

Feeding them regularly helps them build strong skeletons and vibrant colours. It also supports their natural behaviour, making your reef tank more lively.

Types of Food That Work Well for LPS Corals

When choosing food for LPS corals, look for options that are rich in protein and easy for them to catch. Here are some of the best types:

Frozen or Live Meaty Foods

Small shrimp like mysis or brine shrimp are excellent choices. They are rich in protein and mimic what corals would catch in the wild. You can buy frozen versions that are easy to store and use.

Prepared Coral Foods

There are specially made coral foods that combine essential nutrients in a fine particle size. These are designed to sink slowly and be easy for LPS corals to grab.

Phytoplankton

Phytoplankton is a tiny plant-like organism that provides vitamins and minerals. It’s a great supplement to meaty foods and helps support coral health. You can find it in liquid or powdered form.

Comparing Three Popular Coral Foods

To give you a clearer idea, I want to share three products that I’ve found useful for feeding LPS corals. Each has its strengths and fits different needs.

1. Frozen Mysis Shrimp

Frozen mysis shrimp are a staple for many reef keepers. They are easy to portion and provide a natural food source.

• Type: Frozen meaty food

  
  

• Description: Small, protein-rich shrimp that corals love to catch

  
  

• Learn more about Frozen Mysis Shrimp

  
  
  
  

2. Reef Nutrition Coral Frenzy

This is a prepared coral food mix that includes a blend of meaty particles and phytoplankton. It’s designed to be easy to feed and highly nutritious.

• Type: Prepared coral food

  
  

• Description: A mix of protein and plant-based nutrients for all coral types

  
  

• Discover Reef Nutrition Coral Frenzy

  
  
  
  

3. Live Phytoplankton

Live phytoplankton is a natural supplement that supports coral growth and colour. It’s especially good for tanks with a variety of coral species.

• Type: Live plankton supplement

  
  

• Description: Tiny plant-like organisms rich in vitamins and minerals

  
  

• Explore Live Phytoplankton

  
  
  
  

How to Feed LPS Corals Effectively

Feeding LPS corals isn’t just about what you give them but also how you do it. Here are some tips to get the best results:

• Feed in the evening or low light: LPS corals often extend their polyps more at night, making feeding easier.

  
  

• Turn off water flow temporarily: This helps food settle near the coral instead of being swept away.

  
  

• Use a turkey baster or pipette: Aim the food directly at the coral’s polyps for better uptake.

  
  

• Feed small amounts regularly: Overfeeding can harm water quality, so start with small portions.

  
  
  
  

Benefits of Using Quality Live Foods

Using fresh, high-quality live foods like those from The Pod Barn can make a big difference. They provide natural nutrients that processed foods might miss. Plus, live foods encourage natural feeding behaviour, which keeps corals active and healthy.

Close-up view of LPS coral polyps extended for feeding

Supporting Coral Health Beyond Feeding

Feeding is just one part of coral care. To keep LPS corals thriving, you also need to maintain good water quality, stable temperature, and proper lighting. Regular water changes and testing help keep the environment safe.

Adding supplements like calcium and magnesium supports coral skeleton growth. Feeding with a mix of meaty foods and phytoplankton ensures they get a balanced diet.

Final Thoughts on Feeding LPS Corals

Feeding LPS corals the right food helps them grow strong and show off their colours. Frozen mysis shrimp, prepared coral foods like Reef Nutrition Coral Frenzy, and live phytoplankton are all excellent choices. Using these foods with good feeding techniques makes a big difference.

Try to feed your corals regularly but in small amounts. Watch how they respond and adjust as needed. With the right care and food, your LPS corals will thrive and brighten your reef tank for years to come.

If you want to explore high-quality live foods, check out The Pod Barn’s selection. They focus on fresh, reliable products that make reef keeping easier and more affordable.

Happy reef keeping!