It ate the day before it died. It didn't eat too much either since my other fish got to the shrimps first.
I wouldn't say my water parameters are perfect but I have continued the same water change schedule in the almost 4 years that i've kept fist. 50% water change every week or every two weeks (when I'm lazy) and feeding every 2-3 days. I owned a water test kit once when I set up my very first tank. Didn't bother buying another one after that.
I don't think I will be giving up. I will seriously contemplate it though next year at around fall. Until then, hunt for a big and new ntt