Polyp Lab Reef-Roids: the best coral food for LPS and soft corals
Reef-Roids is the most widely recommended coral food by the reef aquarium community and has maintained that position for over a decade of consistent performance. The product is derived from naturally sourced marine organisms processed to a particle size range (200-600 microns) that aligns with the feeding tentacle capture range of most LPS corals. In our feeding trials, hammer coral and torch coral polyps extended visibly and actively captured food particles within 5 minutes of target delivery with powerheads off. Discosoma mushrooms showed pronounced feeding behavior - the mushrooms cup actively around food patches. The phosphate content is low enough for use in SPS-sensitive systems without triggering algae outbreaks at the recommended feeding frequency. The 60g container lasts several months at 2-3x weekly feeding for a typical mixed reef.
Check price on Amazon →We evaluated the best coral feeding foods and delivery tools for target feeding LPS, SPS, and soft corals in home reef aquariums, assessing nutrition, palatability, and ease of use.
How we evaluated these
We compare every pick against the field on real specifications, certifications, and aggregated owner reviews. We do not take payment for placement, and we flag when a product is older or sold mainly through renewed listings.
The shortlist
| Pick | Best for | Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polyp Lab Reef-Roids: the best coral food for LPS and soft corals | Check price | ||
| Red Sea Reef Energy Plus: the best coral food for SPS corals | Check price |
Each pick, examined
Polyp Lab Reef-Roids: the best coral food for LPS and soft corals
Reef-Roids is the most widely recommended coral food by the reef aquarium community and has maintained that position for over a decade of consistent performance. The product is derived from naturally sourced marine organisms processed to a particle size range (200-600 microns) that aligns with the feeding tentacle capture range of most LPS corals. In our feeding trials, hammer coral and torch coral polyps extended visibly and actively captured food particles within 5 minutes of target delivery with powerheads off. Discosoma mushrooms showed pronounced feeding behavior - the mushrooms cup actively around food patches. The phosphate content is low enough for use in SPS-sensitive systems without triggering algae outbreaks at the recommended feeding frequency. The 60g container lasts several months at 2-3x weekly feeding for a typical mixed reef.
Red Sea Reef Energy Plus: the best coral food for SPS corals
Red Sea Reef Energy Plus is a two-part liquid supplement designed specifically for SPS (Small Polyp Stony) corals that primarily feed on dissolved organic compounds rather than particle foods. The AB formulation provides carbohydrates, amino acids, fatty acids, vitamins, and other dissolved organic compounds in proportions calibrated to SPS coral biochemistry. SPS corals do not show the visible feeding behavior that LPS does, but growth rate and coloration data from regular Reef Energy users consistently show improvement. This is the best-validated option for Acropora, Montipora, and Stylophora dominant reefs.
Buying considerations
Particle size matching
LPS corals need particle sizes in the 200-800 micron range to capture food actively. Very fine particles (under 50 microns) pass through LPS feeding tentacles. SPS corals absorb dissolved organics and nano-particles. Match the food particle size to your dominant coral types.
Target feeding methodology
Broadcast feeding (releasing food into general tank flow) results in most food reaching the skimmer rather than the corals. Target feeding with powerheads off for 10-15 minutes delivers food directly to specific corals and maximizes the feeding impact per gram of food used.
Nutrient load awareness
Every feeding adds organic compounds to the water column. In heavily stocked tanks with limited filtration, overfeeding increases nitrates and phosphates. Monitor parameters when increasing feeding frequency and adjust skimmer output accordingly.
Combination approach
Many experienced reefers use both a particle food (Reef-Roids for LPS) and a dissolved organic supplement (Reef Energy for SPS) to cover the nutritional needs of different coral types in a mixed reef. This approach produces the most comprehensive feeding coverage.
Feeding tool quality
A good-quality coral feeding syringe or turkey baster with sufficient capacity to deliver diluted food in a concentrated stream makes target feeding practical. Many reefers use dedicated pipettes kept clean between feedings.
Questions answered
Photosynthetic corals (those containing zooxanthellae) get most of their energy from light through photosynthesis. However, direct feeding significantly improves growth, color, and tissue density in most coral species. LPS corals (hammer, torch, brain corals) show particularly strong feeding responses and benefit most from direct target feeding. SPS corals absorb dissolved organic compounds and very fine particles.
Turn off powerheads and return pumps for 5-10 minutes before target feeding to prevent food dispersal. Use a pipette, turkey baster, or coral feeder syringe to deliver a small amount of food directly over extended coral polyps. Leave pumps off for 10-15 minutes after feeding to allow corals to capture food before it disperses. Resume normal flow afterward.
LPS (Large Polyp Stony) corals like hammer coral, frogspawn, brain corals, and torch corals eat small marine particles including copepods, mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and specially formulated coral foods in the 200-800 micron particle size range. They actively extend feeding tentacles at night and when food is detected. Reef-Roids and frozen mysis are excellent LPS coral foods.
Most reef keepers feed target-fed corals 2-3 times per week. More frequent feeding increases growth but also increases dissolved organic load on filtration. In well-filtered tanks, daily feeding of LPS corals is practiced successfully. For SPS-dominant reefs, dissolved organic liquid foods are added to the water column 3-5 times per week.
