Just adding to Squiggles "Shrimplette nutrition" post, thought I'd add for a general discussion on Shrimp Nutrition & Growth .... Just some food for thought....LOL, sorry couldn't resist ....

Usually the growth of shrimps is more limited by a micronutrient than one of the majors (protein, fat, carbs). Fat is the first one to restrict growth if any. Organisms grow well and easily to their potential until something becomes limiting. Often it can be a heavy metal or a vitamin. All you can do is VARY the diet.

A good test is to buy a fresh oyster - cut it into many small pieces and see how they respond. This is the best source of heavy metals. Don't use the meat part of the oyster, otherwise it'll create a mess....and ONLY in VERY small amounts. Vitamin rich foods - range of cooked vegetables or algae, is also important.

BB I never buy oysters so when you say don't use the meat what do we use? Do we take out the meaty bit and use the stuff left on the shell or use the shell. Sorry I always ask you the silly questions I'm really not as dumb as I come across:barbershop_quartet_

So could u use sushi sheets .at my lfs they have sea weed sheets would these be ok .im looking into the algea idea because my shrimp love it wen i clean the algea of the underside of top glass .

BB I never buy oysters so when you say don't use the meat what do we use? Do we take out the meaty bit and use the stuff left on the shell or use the shell. Sorry I always ask you the silly questions I'm really not as dumb as I come across:barbershop_quartet_

You're in SA, and not bought Oysters ...... some of the best Oyster farms there...was even considering attending the annual oyster fest.

I just use the lip/meat surrounding the actual meat of the muscle...the ones that stick onto the shell....BUT really not necessary, as seems like a waste if you don't eat oyster... I'll buy some tonight and take a pic....but in all honesty, if you feed a range of commercial foods, most of the nutrients it has would cover all the nutrients required....just a bit of fun and variety....

So could u use sushi sheets .at my lfs they have sea weed sheets would these be ok .im looking into the algea idea because my shrimp love it wen i clean the algea of the underside of top glass .

I personally wouldn't, as it's still processed, and would contain some preservatives etc. Just dried seaweed off the beach....but do wash/rinse them, and I put them in hot water for a few seconds just to soften them up.

You're in SA' date=' and not bought Oysters ...... some of the best Oyster farms there...was even considering attending the annual oyster fest.

I just use the lip/meat surrounding the actual meat of the muscle...the ones that stick onto the shell....BUT really not necessary, as seems like a waste if you don't eat oyster... I'll buy some tonight and take a pic....but in all honesty, if you feed a range of commercial foods, most of the nutrients it has would cover all the nutrients required....just a bit of fun and variety....[/quote']

i like oysters kilpatrick but not raw. Eww slimy no thanks!

I think this is a great idea, I'd also like to know about commercial food as well? I've been told Mosura are good foods, there are two that were recommended to me, Excel for growth & CRS Specialty Food for colour. I've also been told about red & white enhancers, what's everyone's thoughts on these foods? So many questions :confused:

Another favorite which I don't seem to see mentioned much is boiled green peas (deshelled), my shrimps love them!

A variety of foods really is the key.

Great thread it is so good to see if we are feeding right. Thanks!

Quite by accident I have a very good food with a lot of the additives that have been mentioned - no wonder I have many berried girls at the moment. I use sera shrimps natural which has among the normal staples of fish meal, wheat ,brewers yeast it has spirulina,algae, stinging nettle,willow bark, lucerne meal, green lipped mussel meal, alder cones, parsley, spinach and carrots, plus a heap of vitamins.

I know a few things are missing but the shrimp love it. I do feed other things but that is my staple.

I do use cucumber for the bristlenose and the shrimp love it .when i put it into my cherry tank they are all over it for days .thanks bb for the reply

cheers mike

I remove the actual Oyster, and just use the leftover flap/muscle that holds the muscle to the shell. No doubt the oyster meat would be more beneficial, but don't want to risk polluting the water etc.., plus the variety of diet I afford them should cover all the basics they need.......I only feed/use oyster 1-2 a year, just for the hell of it !

Shrimp gorging on the oyster...

I only leave the oyseter there strickly for 1 hour !

Thanks BB Will have to give it a go, hopefully dogs will eat the rest!!!!!

Will have to try that sometime.

Found this thread how to make your own food on shrimpsider

http://shrimpsider.wordpress.com/2012/06/09/gingko-shrimp-food/

Good find mate - thanks for sharing!

That's an awesome recipe Ziek, great find dude :encouragement:

Well I didn't get the oysters but finally found Kale for the first time. It was a lovely looking bunch and expensive $4.99 but I thought well shrimp love it lets give it a go. Washed it in hot water soaked for 10 minutes put in the tank on a bamboo stick and........... nothing happened not a single shrimp in 2 tanks so much as looked at it. Now 5 hours later I am going to take it out still untouched!! AND mine don't like banana either is it because we are south aussie or something???? I'm still to find something they really like maybe they are fed too much? I feed everyday and because there are a lot of shrimplets I don't have a food free day. Maybe I better cut back on the food!!

Well I didn't get the oysters but finally found Kale for the first time. It was a lovely looking bunch and expensive $4.99 but I thought well shrimp love it lets give it a go.

You can buy some kale seeds or plantlets at bunnings. Kale grows better in autumn when it's a bit colder. Would be cheaper and safer to use than shop/grown kale which would but drenched in insecticides.

=)

You can buy some kale seeds or plantlets at bunnings. Kale grows better in autumn when it's a bit colder. Would be cheaper and safer to use than shop/grown kale which would but drenched in insecticides.

=)

Perhaps they prefer it when it is a bit younger this was quite firm and crispy but they didn't want it. I might buy a punnet at bunnings and see how they go with the younger leaves.

Well I didn't get the oysters but finally found Kale for the first time. It was a lovely looking bunch and expensive $4.99 but I thought well shrimp love it lets give it a go. Washed it in hot water soaked for 10 minutes put in the tank on a bamboo stick and........... nothing happened not a single shrimp in 2 tanks so much as looked at it. Now 5 hours later I am going to take it out still untouched!! AND mine don't like banana either is it because we are south aussie or something???? I'm still to find something they really like maybe they are fed too much? I feed everyday and because there are a lot of shrimplets I don't have a food free day. Maybe I better cut back on the food!!

You might want to boil it for a few minutes to help break it down first...I leave mine in their for 2-3 days, they won't touch it first day but by 2-3 days when it starts to decompose they will devour it!

Thanks for that CNgo I will try that tomorrow . I took it out because when I leave cucumber or zucchini in there it goes all soft and slushy. Cheers

ineke

Clearly your shrimp love their meat pie and chips too much :p

Oysters.... Yummy!!!!

Clearly your shrimp love their meat pie and chips too much :p

Oysters.... Yummy!!!!

MMM yes I have this horrible habit of needing to feed everything if I walk past I feed-well not quite- but nothing in my house is hungry!!!!!!!