Reefing Q&A: February 2025

At Reef Solutions, we get a lot of great questions from hobbyists looking to improve their reef tanks. Whether it’s dialing in nutrient levels, feeding finicky fish, or keeping corals thriving, having the right products makes all the difference. Here are some common questions and the best solutions we offer.

1. How Do I Maintain Stable Nutrients Without Algae Problems?

Balancing nitrates and phosphates is key to a healthy reef. Too much, and you get algae blooms. Too little, and corals starve.

The Solution: Our Bacteria Boost+ helps reduce excess nitrates and phosphates naturally by fueling beneficial bacteria that consume these nutrients. However, for Bacteria Boost+ to work effectively, both nitrogen and phosphorus must be present. If one bottoms out (e.g., nitrates hit zero), the bacteria can no longer remove the other (e.g., phosphates will stay high).

How to Maintain Balance:

• If nitrates drop too low, dose Nitrate Boost+ to allow Bacteria Boost+ to continue removing phosphates.
• If phosphates hit zero, dose Phosphate Boost+ to keep bacterial activity stable.

By maintaining a balance of both nutrients, Bacteria Boost+ can efficiently bring down excess nutrients while preventing swings that stress corals.

2. What’s the Best Way to Feed My Fish and Corals?

Many reef fish and corals thrive on a varied diet, but live foods offer the best nutrition and response.

Best-Sellers for Feeding:

• Live Triggers – One of our top sellers! These live organisms provide high-value nutrition for both fish and corals.
• Live Brine Shrimp – Ideal for finicky eaters like mandarins and wrasses.
• Live Rotifers – A must-have for coral feeding and fry rearing.
• Live Phytoplankton – Supports a healthy microfauna population while feeding filter feeders.

These live options provide superior nutrition compared to frozen or dry foods, ensuring better health, coloration, and growth.

3. How Can I Keep My Coral Colors Vibrant?

Dull, pale corals can often be traced to low nutrients or an imbalance in their diet.

Key Products for Coral Health:

• Phytoplankton & Rotifers – Essential for feeding filter feeders and small polyp corals.
• Nitrate & Phosphate Boost+ – Prevents coral starvation while keeping nuisance algae in check.
• Bacteria Boost+ – Encourages natural nutrient recycling for a more stable system.

4. What’s the Best Way to Keep Herbivores Well-Fed?

If you keep herbivorous fish, a high-quality seaweed diet is essential for their health, coloration, and energy levels.

Our Sea Snacks are a must-have for:

• Tangs (Yellow, Blue, Kole, Powder Blue, Tomini)
• Angelfish (Regal, Emperor, Flame, Coral Beauty)
• Butterflyfish (Longnose, Copperband, Pearlscale)
• Rabbitfish (Foxface, Magnificent, Scribbled)
• Blennies (Lawnmower, Starry, Tailspot)
• Triggerfish (Bluethroat, Pinktail, Niger)

These fish naturally graze on algae in the wild, and Sea Snacks provide the same essential nutrients. Packed in resealable bags for freshness, they make feeding easy—just clip a sheet in the tank and watch your fish devour it!

5. Can I Culture Live Foods at Home?

Yes! Many reefers choose to culture live foods at home to ensure a steady supply for their fish and corals. However, successful culturing requires dedicated space and a consistent supply of phytoplankton, as most live food organisms rely on it as a primary food source.

If you're thinking about culturing rotifers, copepods, or brine shrimp, the key to success is maintaining a reliable phytoplankton supply. Our F/2 Fertilizer is a must-have for growing nutrient-rich phytoplankton that will keep your cultures thriving. Whether you’re feeding a home culture or directly adding phytoplankton to your reef tank, F/2 Fertilizer ensures a consistent and high-quality food source.

Save Even More with Subscription Savings, Referrals & Rewards

At Reef Solutions, we want to make reefing even more rewarding. Take advantage of our subscription savings for ongoing orders of your favorite products, with discounts up to 20% after four biweekly shipments.

Plus, get rewarded for sharing the love:

• Referral Codes: Share your unique referral code with friends and earn discounts on future orders when they make a purchase.
• Reward Points: Earn points with every purchase that can be redeemed for discounts on your next order.

It's just another way we help you get the best value while keeping your reef thriving!

Final Thoughts

Reefing is all about balance, and the right products make it easier to maintain a thriving system. At Reef Solutions, we provide high-quality, live, and specialty products to support your tank’s success. Check out our full lineup to keep your reef at its best!