How to Raise Oysters in an Aquarium for Pearls

Pearls are well-known for their milky luster and perfectly spherical shapes. While pearl-producing oysters are typically harvested in natural environments, some pearl lovers choose to grow their own oysters in aquariums. While growing oysters at home is certainly possible, caring for oysters is not like caring for fish, as oysters require more maintenance than any aquarium fish.

Things You'll Need

  • 20-gallon fish tank
  • Nutrient supplements
  • Plankton resource
  • Undergravel filter plate
  • Substrate
  • Plate
  • Synthetic sea salt
  • Bacteria Culture
  • Fish tank thermometer
  • Invertebrate filter food
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Instructions

    • 1

      Perform research on the different types of pearl-producing oysters. Different oysters will produce slightly different sizes, colors and types of pearl. Determine what type of oyster you want to grow in your aquarium before gathering any of the supplies, as different oysters can have drastically different living requirements.

    • 2

      Create a list of the requirements your oyster needs, such as specifically tailored nutrient supplements, microscopic plankton varieties, temperate and water salinity. Determine if you can meet these requirements before proceeding. If your oyster requires a special type of plankton to feed on, for example, search for aquatic retailers and pet stores that can supply that food.

    • 3

      Set up your 20-gallon fish tank, which can maintain approximately 15 to 20 oysters.

    • 4

      Place an undergravel filter plate on the bottom so that the lift tubes are in the back of the tank. Add substrate throughout the bottom of the tank at a depth of about two inches.

    • 5

      Place a plate on the substrate and pour water onto the plate. The plate will prevent the water from creating a crater in the substrate. You can use tap or diluted water, but only if the water does not have any chlorine in it. Add synthetic sea salt to reach the proper salinity for your oysters. Read the instructions for the synthetic sea salt for how to reach the proper salinity.

    • 6

      Add bacteria cultures do the tank. Research which bacteria culture is best suited for your oyster type.

    • 7

      Wait two full days for the tank to stabilize.

    • 8

      Keep approximately four oysters in a plastic back and let them float in the top of the tank for the water temperatures to adjust. Place the oysters into the tank after 30 minutes.

    • 9

      Let these oysters grow for several weeks. The water will become cloudy, but this is natural. Feed the oysters during this time, check the salinity and water condition regularly. If the water smells of ammonia, this means that the bacteria cannot handle the oyster byproduct. Increase the bacteria count or reduce the number of oysters.

    • 10

      Check for dead oysters by gently poking them. Dead oysters will not close when disturbed. Remove dead oysters from the tank as soon as possible.

    • 11

      Add invertebrate filter food to the mix, and turn off the tank's water filter during feeding. Feed the oysters an amount and a frequency that is appropriate to the breed of the oyster.

    • 12

      Replace 25 percent of the water with new, properly prepared water every month.

    • 13

      Gradually add one to two oysters every two weeks until you have reached the maximum load of 15 to 20 oysters.