You can ask successful reefkeepers what they dose for SPS in terms of supplements, additives and coral food and chances are you will get a few different answers. Some use amino acids while others may use a powder food like Reef-Roids. Dosing trace elements is also a common practice. The point here is that there is no definitive answer.

Many other variables are also in play. Lighting, flow, stability and key parameters can all impact the growth and colors of SPS. So how important is it to add stuff to your tank to have a thriving collection of SPS?

What I Dose

Let’s answer this question by using my 187 gallon aquarium as a case study. It is overgrown with colorful SPS. Yet, I do not do a lot in terms of supplements, additives and coral food for this tank.

I do dose nitrates and phosphates when necessary to maintain my target levels for those elements. I shoot for nitrates in the 2.5 to 5.0 ppm range and phosphates between .03 to .07. Some fading can occur with my SPS if I go below those levels.

I also dose ChaetoGro from Brightwell Aquatics to optimize chaeto growth. This supplement is also a good source of iron and manganese for SPS. Anecdotal evidence suggests that iron can help bring out greens while manganese helps with reds and pinks.

What to Dose For SPS? Supplements, Additives & Coral Food – ReefBum Recent Blog Posts MORE