Thanks all for the posts - turns out that what works well for me is:

1. Feed the fish first

2. Get the shrimp used to hand-feeding - they actually eventually
picked up on the fact that this big pink think is a hand bringing them
some tasty shrimp treats (aka algae tablets) and are ok w/ being
handfed.

Now, that's a different take on "shrimp treats" ain't it? (it means
something totally different to my cats).

They are thriving.

Thnx again!

Alec in Providence