How Much Should You Feed Your Shrimp?

If you’ve ever dropped a pellet in your shrimp tank and watched it vanish within minutes — or worse, sit there untouched for hours — you’re not alone.

Getting feeding amounts right is one of the trickiest parts of shrimp keeping, and it’s something every keeper tweaks over time. Too little, and your colony goes hungry. Too much, and you end up with planaria, hydra, or cloudy water.

So, how much is just right?

There’s No Exact Science (and That’s Okay)

The truth is, there’s no magic formula that fits every tank. A new 10-gallon tank with ten shrimp will eat very differently from a mature 60-litre tank with a thriving colony and thick layers of biofilm. But there’s a simple rule of thumb that works surprisingly well:

Feed only as much as your shrimp will finish within two to six hours.

That’s it. If there’s still food left after six hours, you probably fed too much. If it’s gone in under half an hour, you can safely add a little more next time. Shrimp are slow grazers, not greedy guppies — they’ll pick and nibble their way through a meal rather than rushing to devour it.

Understanding Shrimp Appetite

Shrimp have small stomachs and spend most of their day grazing on biofilm, algae, and detritus around the tank. Think of the food you add as a top-up rather than the main course. In a well-established aquarium with moss, botanicals, and good surface area, your shrimp are probably eating far more than you realise — just not from the food you add.

I’ve learned this the hard way. When I first started, I fed generously every day. It looked fine… until I spotted tiny worms wriggling out from under the substrate. A few less pellets and a bit more patience fixed that problem fast.

Adjusting for Food Type

Not all foods are created equal. Snowflake pellets (made from soy husk) break down slowly, providing a long-lasting food source that can stay in the tank for days without fouling. In contrast, protein-rich foods like ShrimpSense Vibrance should be eaten within a few hours to avoid excess waste. Leaf-based foods like ShrimpSense Nettle Pellets can stay longer still — they soften slowly and mimic the way shrimp graze in nature.

Watch and Learn

Ultimately, your shrimp will tell you everything you need to know. If they’re active, colourful, and breeding steadily, your feeding routine is working. If they’re hiding, sluggish, or you see uneaten food accumulating, it’s time to adjust. Try feeding less, or feed smaller portions more frequently — whichever suits your tank’s rhythm.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “right” amount — just what’s right for your tank. Start small, watch carefully, and let your shrimp (and water quality) be your guide. Over time, you’ll get a feel for how much food keeps your colony thriving without tipping the balance.

Want to know what foods actually give your shrimp the best results? Check out our full guide: Best Shrimp Food UK.

And if you fancy experimenting, try ShrimpSense Snowflake or Nettle Pellets — they’re both forgiving, natural options that make fine-tuning your feeding much easier.