I recently used some food made by my friend and fellow fishkeeper, @SimplyAquaticCT, and was stunned by how my neocaridina shrimp swarmed all over it. It is a healthy, nutrient-packed, food that encourages immunity, growth, overall health, and reproduction.
This homemade shrimp food recipe is by far the best I’ve come across and I cannot recommend it more highly.
Ingredients:
- Aquarium plants (e.g., Elodea, Cabomba, duckweed, Vallisneria)
- Spirulina powder
- Oats
- Maize flour
- Bee pollen
- Super maize meal
- Ground paprika
- Turmeric
- Fish flakes (cichlid-based or high-protein)
- Calcium supplement (e.g., Repashy)
- Mint leaves (optional)
Equipment:
- Blender (dedicated for fish food)
- Gloves
- Mixing spoon
- Baking tray
- Baking paper
- Oven
Instructions:
1. Put on gloves to prevent contamination.
2. Prepare the base:
- Collect a variety of aquarium plants (about 1 litre).
- Remove excess moisture from the plants.
3. Add ingredients to the blender:
- Place the prepared aquarium plants in the blender.
- Add about 1 tablespoon of oats.
- Add about 250ml of fish flakes.
- Add 1 teaspoon of maize flour.
- Add 2 heaped teaspoons of spirulina powder.
- Add 1 teaspoon of bee pollen.
- Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of ground paprika.
- Add a small amount of turmeric (about 1/4 teaspoon).
- Add a small amount of calcium supplement (about 1/4 teaspoon).
- Optional: Add a few mint leaves for flavour and attraction.
4. Blend the ingredients:
- Start blending at a low speed.
- Increase to high speed and blend for 2-3 minutes.
- Scrape down the sides of the blender and mix thoroughly.
- The mixture should have a thick, paste-like consistency.
5. Prepare for drying:
- Line a baking tray with baking paper (waxy side up).
- Spread a thin layer of the mixture on the paper.
- For multiple layers, add another sheet of baking paper and spread more mixture.
6. Dry the food:
- Preheat the oven to 60-80°C (140-176°F).
- Place the tray in the oven and dry the food slowly.
- Check periodically until the mixture is completely dry and flaky.
7. Store and use:
- Once dry, break the sheets into small flakes.
- Store in an airtight container.
- Feed to shrimp as needed, allowing the flakes to sink in the tank.
Note: Adjust ingredient quantities as needed to achieve the desired consistency. If the mixture is too watery, add more dry ingredients like spirulina powder, oats, or maize flour.
A huge shout-out to @SimplyAquaticCT for sharing this recipe – see how you go with it and let us know in the comments!