Hey fearyaks, I hope you don't mind if I ask some questions about your feeder...I've built one that looks a lot like PaulB's original in this thread but I suspect mine's not working to its full capacity.
What diameter tube is your downspout, 1/2" PVC? Do you just pour in the shrimp and let them sink down? I used 3/32" ID rigid acrylic tubing and I think it's just too small. The shrimp don't sink without additional water being syringed in and no matter how slow I go the shrimp still get blasted out.
What did you end up using for mesh? I've got a stretched nylon but at the rate the shrimp come out of the feeder I suspect the openings are too wide.
Thanks for any advice you can give!
Hey, sooo sorry about not seeing this earlier. I was really busy with work and usually don't check these main forums.
So I ended up using 1/2 PVC as you mentioned. This has the benefit of being rigid, having a bit of weight and you can get fitted elbows easily. The disadvantage is that you end up needing a larger container. I found some small tupperware pieces - Like a square version of
http://www.amazon.com/GladWare-Round-Food-Storage-Containers/dp/B000WGBMMM/ref=sr_1_15?ie=UTF8&qid=1450845629&sr=8-15&keywords=disposable+tupperware
I use an old pair of nylons from the wife and as Paul said, try not to stretch it too much. It's challenging for me to see how many shrimp are 'escaping' so I usually rely on my little Mandarin to let me know. If he (or she) are still there a few hours after feeding, I know things are good... otherwise, it's time to get a new stocking.
I tried a smaller tube and had a heck of a time getting the BBS into the container. So, this is my weirdo method.
1. Scoop a small amount of tank water into a bowl.. say ~ 3-4 oz
2. Filter out the BBS from their station and get them into said bowl.
3. Use a funnel (I use this one -
http://www.amazon.com/Lumax-LX-1603...450845816&sr=8-1&keywords=transmission+funnel) as it fits into the 1/2 pipe and isn't too unwieldy. I then put the funnel (and tube) into the pipe. I pour the 3-4oz of BBS water into the funnel and gravity usually does the rest for me.
It's probably not the most efficient way to transfer them but I figure at worst, I have some BBS floating around the tank for my other fishies to munch on.
Please feel free to PM me if you have any other questions.