Product Description:
Small polyp stony corals (“SPS”) primarily eat detrital aggregates colonized by beneficial microplankton adhering to, and in, the coral’s mucus layer. SPS farm their own food in their mucus layer, especially in recesses in their structure. SPS are carnivorous and high-protein microbes support their growth and health.

SPS don’t appear to digest phytoplankton (algae). They culture their own, called zooxanthellae. Their internal zooxanthellae are nourished through the mucus mostly via the by-products of bacterioplankton and other microbes. Large zooplankton are sparse in nature and make up a small amount of the coral’s nutritional intake. Microbes in the mucus layer are required to degrade the larger dead food organisms first. In time, mainly the bacterioplankton fix and reduce nitrates produced by this rotting. These large pieces of dead coral nutrients add to the pollution in the aquarium until it is consumed. Microbial enriched coral mucus also contains other beneficial organisms that may eat, overgrow or provide antibiotic by-products against coral pathogens.

SPS Coral Grow™ provides a bio-film that adheres to and enhances the coral’s mucus layer. This bio-film provides an enhanced environment for increased microplankton colonization allowing stony corals to feed themselves more efficiently from microbes already in the aquarium and those added to it. This eliminates pollution caused by excess food. The use of the appropriate trace elements and water conditioners should be continued. SPS Coral Grow™ is a natural cultured detrital aggregate with no biocidal preservatives as are needed in liquid coral foods. Results are usually seen within two weeks.