Hatching Brine Shrimp

Because brine shrimp is an excellent source of nutrition, and devoured by most fish many hobbyist attempt to hatch their own. Here are some simple plans of how to do so:

1. Purchase San Francisco bay eggs (available at Elmer’s).

2. After container with eggs is opened keep it in the refrigerator.

3. Any containers (plastic, glass, ceramic etc.) can be used for hatching, but most people use 2 liter bottles cut three fourths the way down and inverted into bottom with lid on such that it acts as a cone.

4. Add dechlorinator, one tenth a tsp of marine buffer, and 3 tbs of non-iodized salt per gal of water.

5. Pour mixture into container being used for hatching because the whole gal probably won’t be utilized.

6. Add about 1 tsp of eggs per liter of mixture and mix in blender for several minutes, so that gas (CO₂ and O₂) balance will occur.

7. After 1 hr hydration period apply air via a small air pump with rigid tubing (not with an airstone).

8. Keep water at 80 ° F with a submersible heater. At this temperature most eggs will hatch in about 24 hrs.

9. Turn off air pump and let the nauplii settle for about 15 min.

10. Siphon nauplii out with air tubing and rinse in cool water for about 1 min.

11. Place nauplii in new hatch mix and take out for feedings as necessary for up to 3 days.

12. Start a new batch 1 day before day 3.

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Daily 10-9:30 Sunday 12:00- 5:00   Aquarium Specialist Since 1969