Filter feeding corals are among the most fascinating and rewarding corals available to marine aquarists. Unlike most reef aquarium corals, these species do not rely heavily on light for nutrition. Instead, they capture plankton and suspended food particles directly from the water column.
Known for their striking colours, unique growth forms, and specialised care requirements, filter feeding corals can become spectacular centrepieces in advanced reef aquariums. However, they require a different approach to feeding, water flow, and aquarium management compared to traditional photosynthetic corals.
In this guide, we'll explore the most popular filter feeding corals, their care requirements, feeding strategies, and how to successfully maintain these beautiful but demanding reef inhabitants.
What Are Filter Feeding Corals?
Filter feeding corals obtain most or all of their nutrition by capturing microscopic food particles suspended within the water column.
Many species belong to a group known as Non-Photosynthetic Corals (NPS Corals).
Unlike SPS, LPS, and soft corals that depend heavily on zooxanthellae algae for energy, filter feeders rely primarily on:
- Zooplankton
- Phytoplankton
- Marine snow
- Dissolved organic matter
- Microscopic suspended foods
As a result, their care requirements differ significantly from traditional reef corals.
Why Keep Filter Feeding Corals?
These corals offer some unique benefits.
Incredible Colours
Many filter feeding corals display colours rarely seen in photosynthetic corals, including:
- Bright orange
- Deep red
- Vibrant yellow
- Purple
- White
Unique Growth Forms
Species often develop intricate branching structures and unusual colony shapes.
Fascinating Feeding Behaviour
Watching feeding polyps extend and capture suspended food can be one of the most rewarding experiences in reef keeping.
Suitable for Lower Light Areas
Many species thrive in shaded locations where traditional corals struggle.
Popular Filter Feeding Coral Species
Sun Corals (Tubastraea)
Sun corals are among the most popular filter feeding corals.
Benefits include:
- Bright orange or yellow colours
- Large feeding polyps
- Excellent beginner NPS coral
Unlike most corals, Sun Corals generally extend feeding tentacles when food is present rather than in response to light.
Dendrophyllia
Closely related to Sun Corals, Dendrophyllia species produce larger polyps and impressive colony structures.
Characteristics include:
- Bright colours
- Large feeding response
- Relatively hardy compared to many NPS corals
Chili Corals
Chili Corals are highly sought-after due to their vibrant red appearance.
Requirements include:
- Moderate to strong flow
- Regular feeding
- Lower light placement
Gorgonians
Many gorgonians are filter feeders.
Popular non-photosynthetic varieties include:
- Yellow Finger Gorgonians
- Purple Gorgonians
- Sea Fans
Their branching structures create dramatic displays within reef aquariums.
Black Corals
Rare and often found in advanced reef systems.
Known for:
- Exotic appearance
- Deep water origins
- High feeding demands
Photosynthetic vs Non-Photosynthetic Corals
| Photosynthetic Corals | Filter Feeding Corals |
|---|---|
| Depend on light | Depend on feeding |
| Require strong lighting | Often prefer lower light |
| Moderate feeding | Frequent feeding required |
| Lower nutrient input | Higher nutrient input |
| Easier maintenance | More demanding care |
Understanding this distinction is essential before purchasing filter feeding corals.
Lighting Requirements
Many hobbyists assume all corals require intense lighting.
This is not true for filter feeding corals.
Most NPS species prefer:
- Low light
- Indirect lighting
- Shaded locations
- Overhangs and caves
Excessive lighting generally offers little benefit and may encourage nuisance algae growth around the coral.
Water Flow Requirements
Strong water movement is crucial.
Flow helps:
- Deliver food particles
- Prevent waste accumulation
- Increase oxygenation
- Reduce detritus buildup
Recommended Flow
Most filter feeding corals prefer:
- Moderate to strong flow
- Random turbulent flow
- Continuous water movement
Avoid direct blasting flow that may prevent polyps from opening fully.
Feeding Filter Feeding Corals
Feeding is the single most important aspect of keeping these corals successfully.
Suitable Foods
Popular foods include:
- Reef Roids
- Rotifers
- Copepods
- Phytoplankton
- Zooplankton blends
- Oyster eggs
- Marine snow products
- Fine coral foods
Feeding Frequency
Many species require feeding:
- Daily
- Multiple times per day
- Continuous access to suspended foods
This is why many NPS systems are considered advanced reef aquariums.
Target Feeding vs Broadcast Feeding
Target Feeding
Food is delivered directly to the coral using:
- Pipettes
- Feeding syringes
- Coral feeders
Benefits include:
- Reduced waste
- Increased feeding success
- Better growth
Broadcast Feeding
Food is dispersed throughout the aquarium.
Benefits include:
- Simulates natural conditions
- Supports multiple filter feeders simultaneously
Many aquarists use a combination of both methods.
Water Parameters
Stable water chemistry remains important.
Recommended parameters include:
| Parameter | Recommended Range |
| Temperature | 24-26°C |
| Salinity | 1.025-1.026 SG |
| pH | 8.1-8.4 |
| Alkalinity | 7-11 dKH |
| Calcium | 400-450 ppm |
| Magnesium | 1250-1400 ppm |
| Nitrate | Low to moderate |
| Phosphate | Low but stable |
Because feeding levels are higher, nutrient management becomes particularly important.
Nutrient Management
One of the biggest challenges in keeping filter feeding corals is balancing heavy feeding with good water quality.
Effective nutrient export methods include:
Protein Skimmers
A quality protein skimmer is essential.
Refugiums
Refugiums help absorb excess nutrients naturally.
Filter Rollers
Remove particulate waste before it breaks down.
Activated Carbon
Improves water clarity and reduces dissolved organics.
Regular Water Changes
Help maintain long-term stability.
Placement Tips
Most filter feeding corals thrive in:
- Caves
- Overhangs
- Vertical surfaces
- Shaded rockwork
Natural reef environments often position these corals where currents continuously deliver food.
Replicating these conditions increases success.
Common Challenges
Corals Not Opening
Possible causes include:
- Insufficient flow
- Inadequate feeding
- Stress from transport
Tissue Recession
Often linked to starvation.
Excessive Algae Growth
Usually caused by overfeeding combined with insufficient nutrient export.
Poor Growth
Typically related to feeding frequency rather than lighting.
Best Filter Feeding Corals for Beginners
If you're interested in trying NPS corals, consider starting with:
Sun Corals
The most beginner-friendly option.
Dendrophyllia
Hardy and responsive feeders.
Photosynthetic Gorgonians
A useful stepping stone before keeping fully non-photosynthetic species.
These corals offer valuable experience before progressing to more demanding species.
Creating a Dedicated NPS Aquarium
Some aquarists choose to build dedicated filter feeder systems.
Benefits include:
- Easier feeding management
- Specialised flow patterns
- Reduced competition with photosynthetic corals
Dedicated NPS aquariums often feature:
- Heavy feeding schedules
- Oversized filtration
- Strong turbulent flow
- Lower lighting levels
Are Filter Feeding Corals Suitable for Beginners?
Generally, no.
While species such as Sun Corals can be kept successfully by newer hobbyists, most filter feeding corals require:
- Consistent feeding
- Strong nutrient export
- Careful observation
- Stable water chemistry
For this reason, they are usually recommended for intermediate and advanced reef keepers.
Final Thoughts
Filter feeding corals offer some of the most unusual and beautiful specimens available to marine aquarists. Their bright colours, fascinating feeding behaviour, and unique care requirements make them a rewarding challenge for experienced reef keepers.
Success depends on understanding that these corals rely on food rather than light. By providing regular feeding, strong water movement, excellent filtration, and stable water parameters, reef keepers can maintain thriving colonies of Sun Corals, Dendrophyllia, Gorgonians, Chili Corals, and other non-photosynthetic species.
While they demand more attention than many traditional reef corals, the results can be truly spectacular.
Need Help Choosing Filter Feeding Corals?
At Charterhouse Aquatics, we stock a range of specialist coral foods, phytoplankton, zooplankton, reef supplements, filtration equipment, and reef aquarium accessories to help support successful filter feeding coral systems. Our reef specialists can help you select the best products for your aquarium and coral collection.
