Reef roids are a commercially available coral food comprised of a proprietary blend of marine plankton and other ingredients. The product is designed to provide a concentrated source of nutrition directly to corals and other filter-feeding invertebrates within a reef aquarium environment. The fine powder is typically mixed with water and then targeted towards the corals using a pipette or syringe, or broadcast into the aquarium’s water column. This delivery method allows the corals to readily capture and ingest the suspended particles.
The significance of such specialized coral foods lies in their ability to supplement the natural feeding mechanisms of corals. While corals obtain some nutrients through photosynthesis via symbiotic algae (zooxanthellae) residing in their tissues, supplemental feeding provides essential amino acids, lipids, and other micronutrients that can enhance growth, coloration, and overall health. Historically, reef aquarists relied primarily on maintaining pristine water conditions and strong lighting to support coral health. The introduction of targeted coral foods like this represents a shift towards a more proactive approach to coral nutrition, particularly in closed aquarium systems where natural food sources may be limited.
