[RHINO13]

I recently purchased 2 Peppermint Shrimps in hope that they would eat 3 small 2- 1/2" and 1 about 3/4" to 1" Aptesia (not sure if I spelled that right).
I didn't really plan on feeding them until they ate them.

I drip acclimated for about 3 1/2 hrs and let them in the main at about 8:00pm. Next morning no more Aptesia. The guy from the lfs says i should feed them( and my 5 nassarius,and 2 Bumble bee snails. the only carnivore's in my tank) a frozen cube every 3 days. And that the shrimp will find "stuff" on my live rocks to eat.

3 days seems a little much especially if the "stuff" he was referring to is beneficial pods and such

Any suggestions on what I should be feeding my tank and how often for what I have in there at this point would be great!

[leebca]

Some suggestions:

1) Get rid of the Bumble Bee snails. I know they look attractive, but they have been known to kill other snails.

2) During my general setting up of a FOWLR aquarium, (see: Setting Up a FOWLR Aquarium) I like to feed the shrimp and snails daily.

3) There is no hard and fast rule, since much depends upon the pattern of the aquarist. After the tank matures (see: The Mature Aquarium) the shrimp will 'show' their hunger when you feed the other tank inhabitants. They will come out or even swim out to where the food is falling. At that time, is the right time to spot feed them something. If you routinely overfeed the tank they may never need spot feeding; if you are conservative, you may need to feed them two or three times a week.

[RHINO13]

Thanks Lee,

I will try and get those bumble bee's out of there, the thing is I never see them.
Even at night when I feed.May be I will throw a clam in there like you said to do every 10 days in Setting Up a FOWLR. And see if they come out.

As far as feeding my tank, should I shut all my powerheads, and pumps,etc off when doing so?The reason I ask is because if I don't it doesnt seem like much of the food makes its way to the bottom(for the Nassarius's)

Lastly, what kind of food would you recommend spot feeding peppermint shrimp?

[leebca]

I use one of those spot feeder 'syringes' and partially bury the food for the Nassarius. They will find it without a problem and the food won't be swept away on the current.

These shrimp in general will eat the left over fish foods, so any of those will be fine. Stick to the meaty frozen fish foods.