I use a syringe to put the food in, I always make sure to put around the little guys and spread across the tank. I might try to separate. There are so many. I just add the moss too hoping that will help them grow faster. We shall see. At 3 months I am going to attempt to rehome. Never raised fish before so all this is a 1st for me. Saw eggs in my tank and felt the need to save them. Lost 5 along the way but so far the rest seem to be pulling through. Time will tell.