hungry shrimp

Question
I have a 10 gal. tank set up since Jan. 07, top fin power filter, pH 8, ammonia & nitrite 0, changing the water 30-40% every 3-4 weeks. I have a Betta & 4 cherry shrimp since mid-May. My Betta fish is eating anything I put in the tank for the shrimp and he's feeding off the bottom. (after he eats his pellets from the top) Do you think the shrimp might be getting enough food since they're still alive? Would you please tell me if there any way to feed the shrimp without the betta eating everything? So far, the betta likes anything at all that I put in the tank - any flakes, and even algae wafers.

Answer
Hi Janice;

I wouldn't worry about the shrimp. They eat algae as well as whatever they can scavenge off the bottom. They can also reach into small places under the gravel and decorations with their little 'claws' where the betta can't reach. If it bothers you too much, feed them a tiny bit of cooked peas, green beans or shredded cooked carrots every other night. Bettas are "sleeping" at night but shrimp will actually forage all night if there's food available. Here is a web page about them;

http://www.theshrimpfarm.com/cherry_shrimp.shtml

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins