How to Use an Acrylic Feeding Tube and Dish in Shrimp Tanks

By Castle Dawn Aquatics | Published: 2026-11-05

Category: How-to Guides

Set up a shrimp feeding station with an acrylic feeding tube and dish. Follow these steps to control portions, reduce mess, and keep food where shrimp can reach it.

Quick answer

Place the dish on the substrate in a quiet corner, angle the tube so its lower end rests in the dish, and drop food through the tube. This creates a shrimp tank feeding station that keeps food contained and easy to remove.

Why a feeding station beats scattering food

Scattered food sinks into the substrate, breaks down, and fouls the water. A feeding dish concentrates food so shrimp can gather without foraging across the entire tank floor. That makes it easier to see how much is eaten and to siphon out leftovers.

The tube also lets you deliver food directly to the dish without opening the lid wide or disturbing the tank. For shy shrimp, a consistent feeding spot reduces competition because food is not spread thin.

When an acrylic tube and dish are not the right fit

If your tank has very fine sand that shifts easily, the dish may sink or tip. In that case, use a heavier dish or place it on a flat rock. Also, if you feed only floating foods, a feeding tube is unnecessary because the food will not sink to the dish.

For tanks with strong bottom currents, position the dish in a calmer area or the food may be swept out before shrimp reach it.

Step-by-step shrimp feeding tube setup

Choose the right spot: Pick a quiet corner of the tank away from the filter outflow and direct light. Place the dish on the substrate or a flat rock so it sits level. Checkpoint: make sure the dish is not buried in sand or gravel. Test the spot by dropping a few grains of food—if they stay in the dish, the location works.
Position the tube: Insert the tube at a slight angle so the bottom end rests inside the dish and the top extends above the water line. Secure it with a clip or stand if needed. Common mistake: letting the tube touch the tank bottom outside the dish, which lets food fall into the substrate. The tube should be stable enough that it does not roll when water moves.
Add food through the tube: Drop small portions of sinking food into the tube and let them slide into the dish. Wait a few seconds between additions to avoid clogging. Checkpoint: never pour a large amount at once—shrimp need time to gather. Use a dedicated feeding spoon or pipette to control the amount.
Observe and adjust: Watch how quickly the food disappears. If shrimp ignore it or food remains after 30–60 minutes, reduce the next portion. Common mistake: overfeeding because the dish makes it easy to add more. Keep a simple log of how much you feed and how long it takes to be eaten.
Remove leftovers: Use a siphon or turkey baster to pull uneaten food from the dish after feeding. Rinse the dish and tube with tank water before replacing. Checkpoint: leftover food in the dish is the main cause of water quality problems. If you consistently have leftovers, cut the portion size by half.

Product facts

Aquarium Feeding Acrylic tube with feeding dish for fish and shrimp: The feeding tube is made from food-grade glass. Food-grade glass is inert and will not leach chemicals into the water, making it safe for shrimp and fish.
Aquarium Feeding Acrylic tube with feeding dish for fish and shrimp