do you need to feed shrimp in a planted tank

Should You Feed Shrimp in a Planted Aquarium? A Close Look

As an avid aquarist with both planted tanks and shrimp I’m often asked if you need to feed shrimp living among lush vegetation. It’s a great question since plants release nutrients into the water. This article will take a detailed look at shrimp nutrition in planted aquariums.

Why People Question Feeding Shrimp in Planted Tanks

First, let’s examine why some aquarists wonder if feeding is necessary with a heavily planted tank. Some key reasons include:

• Plants release compounds that feed microscopic life, which shrimp then eat. So some assume shrimp can get all their nutrition from these processes alone.

• Heavily planted tanks have extensive algae growth leaf litter and other edible biofilms colonizing the decor. This provides a natural shrimp food source.

• Some have kept shrimp like Cherry Reds in planted jars without feeding. So they believe planted tanks must supply complete nutrition without feeding.

However, the reality is more nuanced. While plants and biofilms do contribute to shrimp nutrition, you still need to actively feed shrimp for optimal health. Let’s look closer at why.

The Nutritional Contribution of Plants

It’s true that plants release oxygen, carbon dioxide and other compounds into the water column. This allows the growth of microorganisms like infusoria and microalgae for shrimp to eat.

However, these microorganisms alone are insufficient to meet a shrimp’s full nutritional needs. Shrimp require adequate amounts of protein, carbohydrates, omega-3s and other nutrients for development, molting, breeding and vigor. Microbial films alone cannot provide complete nutrition.

Additionally, plants compete with shrimp for microorganisms and nutrients in the water. While plants and shrimp can coexist, solely depending on plants inevitably leaves shrimp undernourished.

Why Biofilms and Algae Aren’t Enough

Along with microorganisms, algae and biofilms do provide another natural food source in planted tanks. However, like plants, these alone are insufficient for shrimp health.

Reasons why biofilms and algae alone are inadequate include:

• Limited protein and nutrients – Biofilms and algae lack the protein content of prepared shrimp foods or supplements.

• Inconsistent availability – Biofilm growth is not evenly distributed and can fluctuate. This leads to inconsistent nutrition.

• Competition from snails and fish – Other inhabitants also graze on biofilms, limiting availability for shrimp.

• Insufficient calories – The energy content in biofilms/algae is low compared to shrimp pellets and blanched vegetables.

While biofilms contribute to the diet, shrimp cannot survive entirely on this inconsistent food source. They need balanced nutrition offered through intentional feeding.

Why You Should Feed Shrimp in Planted Tanks

Hopefully it’s clear now that relying solely on plants, algae and microorganisms leads to malnutrition and compromised shrimp health. Instead, you should provide a varied diet including:

• Sinking shrimp pellets and flakes to provide protein, amino acids, omega-3s and key nutrients. Choose reputable brands made specifically for invertebrates.

• Blanched vegetables like zucchini, cucumber and spinach to provide carbohydrates and essential minerals. Introduce new foods gradually.

• Supplemental foods like crab meal, algae wafers, brine shrimp, blood worms and shrimp sticks to add diversity.

• Calcium-rich foods like spinach and calcium supplements support molting and exoskeleton growth.

• Bacter AE or other probiotic products contribute beneficial microorganisms for digestion and health.

With a balanced diet, you’ll note improved activity levels, faster growth rates, frequent breeding and lower mortality. Don’t rely on plants and biofilms alone – be sure to feed your shrimp properly!

Finding the Right Feeding Balance

When feeding shrimp in a planted tank, you’ll need to find the ideal balance. Overfeeding spikes dissolved organics, fungi/bacteria and water quality issues. Underfeeding leads to malnutrition.

Follow these tips to find the sweet spot:

• Feed very small amounts once or twice daily. Shrimp have a low bioload and need less food than fish.

• Remove any uneaten food within a few hours to avoid fouling the water. Target feed only what they can quickly consume.

• Assess shrimp activity, growth and condition and adjust amounts accordingly. Very active, growing shrimp need more food than lethargic shrimp.

• Perform routine water changes to remove excess dissolved organics from uneaten food, plant compounds, etc.

With careful, selective feeding, you can meet shrimp nutritional needs without compromising water quality. Both your shrimp and plants will thrive together!

Troubleshooting Common Shrimp Feeding Problems

If your shrimp seem lethargic and are not breeding well, assess your feeding regimen:

Problem: Tiny white planaria or hydras multiplying rapidly.
Cause: Overfeeding and excess waste accumulating in the tank.