HATCHING BRINE SHRIMP CYSTS

KPD-60
The hatching container can be either a shallow non-metallic tray similar to a cake pan, or a quart size soda bottle. The tray method does not require aeration, but the use of a barrier across the water surface will confine the unhatched shrimp to one end of the tray and make it much easier to separate the empty shells from the shrimp. After the shrimp hatch , the addition of a light source at the opposite end of the tray will attract the shrimp. The young shrimp will swim under the barrier, leaving the empty shells behind. The bottle method requires the bottom of the bottle to be removed and the bottle mounted inverted with a cork or similar seal used in the neck. An air line is inserted in the cork and connected to a small air pump for gentle aeration of the water during the hatching period.

The recommended specific gravity for hatching brine shrimp is 1.010 to 1.020. To obtain this specific gravity use the following formula: Start with 1 quart of ordinary tap water. Use a few drops of Kordon's NovAqua ® to de-chlorinate and remove any copper and other metallic ions that may be present. Add the cysts at the rate of approximately 1 level teaspoonful per quart of water. Hydrate the cysts for 1 to 2 hours by soaking them in the fresh water treated with NovAqua. After hydrating, add the proper amount of salt -2 slightly rounded tablespoons of sea salt, such as Kordon's Coral Sea ® or ordinary un-iodized table salt (sodium chloride) for each quart of tap water. It is important that the pH of the water be 8.0 or higher. If the pH is lower than this, add 1/4 teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to increase the pH. The water temperature should be maintained between 72° - 78° F (22°-26° C). When using the tray method of hatching you should dissolve the salt in a small amount of water before adding it to the tray. The water in the tray does not need to be aerated because of its ample surface area.

For raising the shrimp the newly hatched nauplii should be moved to a suitable container. A wide shallow container is preferred, but an aerated aquarium will suffice. Do not over crowd. The nauplii are phototrophic and will be attracted to light. A light source directed at one area of the hatching container will facilitate capturing the young shrimp. Use a very fine mesh net. The water in the raising tank should have a specific gravity of approximately 1.025. To get this specific gravity, add approximately 9 1/2 oz (approximately 1 measuring cup) of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of NovAqua for each gallon of tap water. Keep the tank cool if possible, 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal.

Brine shrimp are filter feeders and the particle size of their diet must be small enough to fit into their mouths. Kordon's Artemia Food is recommended; it is specially formulated for raising brine shrimp. Brine shrimp food is prepared by adding a small amount to tap water, mixing it in a blender, and feeding it with an eye dropper. It must be refrigerated after mixing. An alternate to Brine Shrimp Food is brewer's yeast. Feed all food sparingly, no more than they can consume in a few minutes. Over feeding, and over crowding are probably the two most common causes of death in raising brine shrimp. For more information on Kordon's Brine Shrimp (artemia) Food click here: KPD-13 Artemia Food.

TIP: The key factors in successfully hatching brine shrimp eggs (artemia cysts) are warm brackish water, good illumination and sufficient oxygen levels in the water.