Should I be feeding my corals?

[fladiver]

Relatively new to keeping corals, so I've dipped my toe in with soft corals and some LPS in my 45 gallon tank with a Kessil a360x and Reefbar Pro.

I currently have:

• 5-6 Zoa colonies
• 2 GSP rocks
• Toxic green cabbage
• a 4-head Duncan
• Hollywood stunner chalice
• Christmas favia
• A few rhodactis mushrooms
• Toadstool leather
• WWC Solomon Hairy Leather

I have been feeding my fish a mix of the San Fran Bay Marine Cuisine and Spirulina brine shrimp cubes. Occasionally, I'll spot feed the Duncan.

I have seen countless posts about people using additional coral foods - AB+, Reef Roids, Marine Snow, etc. I also see people who add amino acids or other vitamins that supposedly help the coral health. Finally, I've also seen that people provide brine shimp/mysis.

Is this something I should consider doing? My numbers have been pretty good and stable, although PO4 has been on the higher side (around .25) which has not bothered any of the corals and many seem to be growing fine. One thing I have read/seen, and which prompted me to return a AB+ bottle, was that one consequence of feeding can be nutrient spikes which I'd like to avoid.

Would welcome any advice/thoughts. Thanks!

 

[Reefer Matt]

It depends on your goals. It’s not required, but can lead to faster growth. However, not all of the coral you listed will readily uptake food additions, and it may further contribute to excess nutrients.

 

[painter1982]

I feed mine reef roids and phytoplankton twice per week. I add brightwell aminos daily.My anemones get shrimp or scallops once per week. All growing good.

 

[kevgib67]

It’s really personal choice, some let them get by on fish poop and whatever they grab from broadcast feeding fish food. I use AB+ aminos three times a week and BeneReef two times a week. Light really takes care of most of their nutritional needs.