How to Make a Home for Pet Triops

In the search for more strange and interesting pets, triops have captured the attention of people of all ages. Essentially the "Sea Monkeys" of the 21st century, triops are species of crustacean, commonly known as tadpole shrimp. Triops have a relatively short lifespan, lasting from 20 to 90 days. Additionally, other than clean water and food, triops don̵7;t need much by way of attention or special care, making them a good starter pet for children.

  1. Select an Appropriate Tank

    • You won̵7;t need a large container to make a home for your pet triops, but it should be made of clear ̵2; not colored or painted ̵2; glass or plastic so you can enjoy watching them. A quart-size wide-mouth canning jar is a good choice. You can also buy a tank specifically for triops. An assortment of kits on the market include everything you need, from unhatched triops eggs to suitable gravel and food to a small aquarium.

    Use Quality Water

    • Purified or distilled bottled water is recommended for use in your triops habitat. Don̵7;t use tap water to fill your triops aquarium, since it contains chlorine and other elements that are harmful to triops. Keep the water at 72 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit. If you purchase a triops kit, it will include a temperature strip with which you can monitor the water temperature. You should also keep the water as clean as possible after your triops have hatched and grown to a visible size. It is difficult to change the entire tank of water at once without disturbing the pH balance in the environment, so it is best to scoop out a couple of small (Dixie-cup-size) cupfuls of the aquarium water, then add enough purified water to bring the level of the tank back up. It is also good to keep your supply of water next to your aquarium so it is the same temperature as your tank water.

    Aquarium Plants and Other Accessories Aren̵7;t Recommended

    • It is tempting to dress up a plain triops tank with aquarium plants, stones and other accessories. You never know, though, what items might have an adverse effect on your triops. If you aren̵7;t satisfied with the gravel that comes with a triops kit, you can try putting aquarium accessories in with your triops, but soak them for 24 hours in purified water, then rinse them in fresh purified water, before placing them in the tank.

    Keep Your Triops Habitat in a Suitable Location

    • Because it is vital for the water temperature in your triops habitat to remain between 72 and 84 degrees Fahrenheit, you should keep the tank in a warm area of your home or office where the temperature doesn̵7;t fluctuate too much. Some people place their aquarium on a windowsill, but keep the blinds drawn. If the temperature outside isn̵7;t too cold, this allows the sun̵7;s warmth to help maintain the optimal water temperature without overheating it or subjecting your triops to direct sunlight. When choosing a location for your triops habitat, be sure to keep it in a location where it cannot be easily bumped or knocked over.