A Simple Method for Hatching and Harvesting Baby Brine Shrimp

by Paul Leong

(9/9/2003)

This is the simplest setup I know of for hatching Brine Shrimp Eggs. I use a covered clear plastic cup with an oversized straw for the hatching container. The cup is the type of cup you get when you order a Pearl Tea Drink from places like Tung Kee Noodle House in the Bay area.

Culture Phase
The cup is set up as shown in the picture on the left with the lid securely attached to the cup, and the straw inserted through the lid. Attach a small air pump to the airline hose and insert the hose into the oversized straw. You have now created a very simple brine shrimp hatching machine! Add water and salt (either marine salt or table salt will do) according to the instructions that come with the eggs, then add your brine shrimp eggs. Turn the air pump on, adjust the air flow so that as many of the eggs are in constant movement as possible, and wait a day or two. Make sure that the plastic lid is secured firmly on the cup.

 

Harvesting Phase

  

 

I use a brine shrimp net and medicine dropper to harvest the baby brine shrimp. I pour the hatched brine shrimp mixture onto the net, then rinse the net with fresh water in another clear container. Put a light under that container to get the brine shrimp to gravitate towards the bottom. (The shells will float to the top.)

Use a medicine dropper to suck up the baby brine shrimp on the bottom and feed to your hungry bettas.

 

Container with rinse water