Reef Pulse 120g by Ocean Nutrition  is a powdered coral food designed to supply essential nutrition to SPS (small-polyp stony) and LPS (large-polyp stony) corals, as well as tube worms and other omnivorous filter feeders in reef aquaria.

It’s formulated with a blend of zooplankton and phytoplankton ingredients, tailored to the feeding preferences and nutritional demands of many reef organisms.

Ingredients

The ingredients include a mix of:

• Marine copepods

• Krill

• Squid

• Fish proteins

• Yeast

• Artemia nauplii

• Mussels

• Marine fish eggs

• Marine microalgae

These components supply amino acids, proteins, lipids, and other nutrients that corals typically obtain by capturing tiny planktonic prey in nature.

Nutritional Values

• Crude Protein (min.): ~ 53.0 %

• Crude Fat (min.): ~ 15.0 %

• Crude Fiber (max.): ~ 1.0 %

• Ash (max.): ~ 10.0 %

These values show it is a relatively high-protein, moderate-fat formula with low fiber content, which is appropriate for coral feeding where digestibility is important.

Physical Characteristics

One of Reef Pulse’s designed strengths is its broad particle size distribution — from about 5 microns up to 400 microns. This wide range allows corals of varying polyp size and feeding style (from small polyp corals to larger ones) to ingest particles they can handle.

When dispersed properly, Reef Pulse is formulated not to cloud the water excessively (when used as directed) which helps prevent water quality issues immediately after feeding.

Dosage of Reef Pulse

Reef Pulse can be used in two main feeding modes: target (direct) feeding or broadcast (tank-wide) feeding.

Target Feeding (Direct to Corals)

• Use a small container (e.g. 100 mL of tank water)

• Add ¼ teaspoon of Reef Pulse (adjust according to coral density) per 25 gallons (≈ 100 L) as a starting guideline.

• Stir / blend well to suspend the particles

• Temporarily switch off filtration, skimmer, and current (to prevent food from being sucked away prematurely)

• Use a pipette, syringe, or turkey baster to squirt or cloud the mixture over the target corals

• After the corals have consumed the food (or after a short interval), re-enable filtration and flow

Broadcast Feeding

• Use more dilution: e.g. ¼ teaspoon of Reef Pulse per 25 gallons (≈ 100 L), diluted in ~¼ cup (or as indicated) of tank water, then dispersed across the tank

• Turn off filtration / skimmer before adding, then reactivate after 10-15 minutes (or once food is consumed)

Frequency & Limits

• The recommended feeding frequency is about 2 to 3 times per week

• Do not exceed 1 teaspoon per 400 L of tank water per day to avoid overfeeding and water quality problems

Benefits of Reef Pulse

• Enhanced Growth & Coloration: Regular feeding with Reef Pulse often results in faster coral growth and more intense coloration, as corals get extra energy and nutrients.

• Stimulates Feeding Behavior: The formula includes “protein stimulants” or attractants designed to trigger corals’ natural feeding responses (i.e. causing polyps to extend and capture food)

• Broad Compatibility: Because of the particle size range and diverse ingredients, it works across a variety of coral types: Acropora, Montipora, Euphyllia, Zoanthids, Scolymia, etc.

• Convenience: It being a dry powder makes it easier to store, dose, and mix compared to some frozen or live feeds.

Limitations 

• Water Quality Risk: If overdosed or if filtration isn’t turned off during feeding, uneaten particles can degrade and contribute to ammonia, nitrates, or turbidity.

• Mixing / Suspension: Because it’s a powder, it must be well-blended / suspended to avoid clumping or sinking directly to the substrate, which reduces its effectiveness.

• Feeding Efficiency: In strong flow or high turnover systems, food may be swept away before corals can capture it, which reduces feeding efficiency. Proper timing (turning off flow briefly) helps mitigate this.

• Not a Complete Replacement: While Reef Pulse supplies many nutrients, it should complement (not fully replace) other nutrition sources, light, and water chemistry maintenance.

• Storage: Keep it dry and cool; moisture ingress can cause clumping or spoilage. After opening, suitable storage (sealed, dry environment) is essential.

• Sensitivity: Some extremely sensitive tanks or corals may respond poorly to sudden nutrient input; one should acclimate and start with small doses.

Best Use when:

1. Start Small & Test
   Begin feeding small amounts to observe how quickly corals consume the food and how much is left over. Adjust dosage accordingly.

2. Turn Off Filtration / Skimmer Temporarily
   During target feeding or broadcast addition, turning off skimmer/filtration helps prevent the food from being removed too quickly.

3. Feed During Low Flow / Night or Dusk
   Many corals are more receptive to feeding at dusk or when flow is moderate. Using a quiet period in filtration helps.

4. Alternate Feeding Methods
   Use target feeding for selective corals (e.g. ones out of reach) and broadcast feeding to reach more. Mix strategies to balance coverage and efficiency.

5. Monitor Water Parameters
   After feeding, keep an eye on ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate levels. If you see spikes, you may need to reduce feeding or increase cleanup.

6. Rotate / Complement with Other Foods
   Use a mix of foods (e.g., frozen zooplankton, phytoplankton) along with Reef Pulse to diversify nutrient input and avoid reliance on a single source.

7. Clean and Stir Well
   Always mix the powder thoroughly when preparing doses to avoid sediment at the bottom of the mixing container.

8. Store Properly
   Keep the jar sealed and in a cool, dry place to avoid moisture and spoilage.