How to Make a Brine Shrimp Hatchery

Brine Shrimp have survived since the Triassic period, but haven't evolved that much since. Even so, their survival capabilities are remarkable, as even brine shrimp eggs can survive for years in below freezing temperatures; even without oxygen! Brine shrimp can be hatched and raised just like their more famous relatives, sea monkeys.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • 1 25 Watt Heater
  • 1 15 Watt Aquarium Light
  • Dark colored paint
  • 1 cover for hatchout area of tank.
  • 1 Piece of Styrofoam (Same width as
  • aquarium and about 1/4 of an inch shorter than aquarium's height)
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Instructions

  1. Make a Brine Shrimp Hatchery

    • 1

      Fill aquariaum with water and insert styrofoam into the aquarium. The styrofoam should cut off an area of the aquarium about 1/4 of its entire length. The sides of the aquarium should hold the styrofoam in place. Do not push styrofoam all the way to the bottom. Leave 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch of space at the bottom.

    • 2

      Paint the outside of the aquarium black, but only around the small area that is separated from the remainder of the tank. This is the hatchout area.

    • 3

      Check to make sure SG levels are at 1.025. Place the heater into the hatchout area and turn it on to 80 degrees F.

    • 4

      Add the brine shrimp eggs to the hatchout area and cover with the black cover.

    • 5

      Turn the light on over the larger part of the aquarium. The styrofoam, cover, and paint should ensure that no light gets into the hatchout area.

    • 6

      Use a brine shrimp net to harvest the brine shrimp if you wish. When the brine shrimp hatch, they will be attracted to the light and will swim under the styrofoam to the larger part of the tank.