Petshrimp.com Discussion Forum

I was wondering if there's a preferable time for cherry shrimps to feed (daylight, dusk, when its pitch black). I noticed that when I throw food into the tank (during the day) the siamesis are always the first there, and only one or two of my shrimps would venture out to feed. The rest just hides behind the filter or plants. I do have enough algae in my tank so maybe they're not hungry because of the algae?

Unless they are cleaning themselves, mating, or molting, ealthy shrimp seek food almost all of the time, regardless of the light/dark cycle.

But if you have tank inhabitants that favor darkness or light when feeding and tend to consume food before your shrimp can, you may want to offer additional food for your shrimp during the time that the other inhabitants do not typically feed.

As I learn more and more about shrimp and their care in captivity, I am moving more and more toward a point where I do not intend to offer commercially prepared foods on anything more than an occasional basis. I am convinced that the healthiest foods for our shrimp are naturally occurring living organisms and organic debris. The trick will be to provide an environment with a varied population of micro-organisms and decaying organic matter in order to best approximate their native habitat.

I agree with what YuccaPatrol said about the feeding schedule and about using naturally occurring living organisms and organic debris. I have just started placing soaked leaves in my tanks.

Yucca, I know that you are still observing the results of using the leaves in yours and have seen positive results. Can't wait to hear more about your experiences

Thanks.

Thanks! So are you talking about leaving oak leaves inside the tanks? What other organic debris can I use? (blanched veggies?)

Blanched veggies woould be prepared supplimental foods and have been discussed in detail previously. I would recommend doing a search on shrimp feeding and foods on this site, you will find a lot of good information .

I also agree with Neonshrimp and YuccaPatrol on this matter. I have started to soak a lot of oak leaves (different type of oak leaves except for "Poison Oak") and use that for their food source instead of commerical foods. Once the leaves are established inside the tank, I will be feeding them commerical food maybe only 1 or 2 times a week.

I have been keeping Oak leaves in my tanks ever since I read it in a old post.

I was just keeping 1 Per tank, After the updated information I have been soaking alot more.

I did not notice a big difference with just one leaf, but there was always 1 or 2 Shrimp feeding of it.

Just think the money that can be saved, when we do not have to buy food.
Or atleast cut way down.

John

Exactly, and we are feeding them what they most likely would be eating in their natural environment. Who could ask for more

If we want to go to the extreme.

We could start importing Micro-organism's and leaves from there native
Countries.

Yes, I know I have to much time on my hands. to be thinking about things like that

John

Newjohn wrote: Just think the money that can be saved, when we do not have to buy food.
Or atleast cut way down.

John

Hmmm, how much have you been feeding them? A can of algae flake last me months.

Did you guys notice any specific food that will increase their fecundity? Like shrimp aphrodisiac?

Well
Every penny counts.

It helps to pay for the increase in the water bill and electric.

Actually I have not paid for food, ever since my RCS had enough offspring
to trade-in for food and what ever else I needed.

John

blinster wrote:Did you guys notice any specific food that will increase their fecundity? Like shrimp aphrodisiac?

Water parameters and keeping the shrimp happy are far more inportant than any sort of food. I just use algae flakes with a little sinking goldfish food now & then. I also use some greens about once a week, not too much of anything.

If the shrimp have plenty of java moss and some leaves & nice clean alkaline water the females will always be making babies. If there are not, you have water issues.

My ghost shrimp get to the food almost before the other fish. They seem to see the food hit the water. Light or dark, they dont care. I read somewhere that they like blanched zuchini.

Teacher

My ghost shrimp also seem to get to the food quicker than the other shrimp. That might be because they can sense it before the others. Shrimp do eat blanched veggies but you will have to introduce it in small amounts and see if they like that particular kind. Shrimp can be picky . About what I don't know until they let me know .