Soft, hard and leather corals require certain nutrients for growth and energy and these nutrients must contain fatty acids, vitamins, polymeric carbohydrates, proteins with a proper amino acid composition and some trace minerals bound to the proteins and carbohydrates. The energy these nutrients provide is used to carry out important biological processes necessary for the continued good health of the corals. Most corals are highly proficient in catching food particles, as long as the particle is within a certain size range and contains the nutrients they require. They can also obtain nutrients through their tissue. Such nutrients must meet several criteria otherwise they will not be transported through the tissue or will pollute the water heavily.
Some corals obtain some of their food from symbiotic algae but additional feeding on a regular basis with foods described above offers major improvements in coral health and growth.
Salifert's Coral Food contains all the nutrients required by corals in highly nutritional particles ranging in size from 5-150 microns, as well as dissolved natural polymeric and monomeric nutrients. When dosed according to the instructions corals will have sufficient food to thrive without polluting the water. The organic load caused by this supplement is comparable to what is found in pristine seawater. This food is also ideal for sponges, tunicates, feather duster worms and many other organisms. Coral Food replicates most of the food found in nature where corals thrive.
