I know that many Dat owners would like to avoid the use of live feeders for a variety of reasons, but you always have to wonder if the surrogate diet is sufficiently nutritious...particulalry for predators. I'll make a suggestions and you can take it or leave it. If you're going to eliminate the feeders, I would recommend that you at least supplement the shrimp with Kent Zoe 2x per week. I do it in the following manner:
1. Thaw shrimp and cut into pieces 1/2-3/4" long.
2. Soak in water for one hour to remove excess salt.
3. Press pieces between layers of paper towelling to remove most of the water. Pieces are now semi-moist and will absorb Zoe.
4. Dribble Zoe over pieces. They will turn green as Zoe is absorbed.
5. Feed.
Hopefully, the pieces are eaten immediately, before Zoe diffuses out.
Zoe is good because it does not contain phosphates. I have been doing this for about three years with my Dats...some of which are quite large, and mine still get feeders twice a week.