DIY Brine Shrimp Hatchery 1.0

[PhotoJohn]

I recently built this BS hatchery, it worked well.

What you will need:
2 liter soda (or pop) bottle. I believe Pepsi products work best but whatever you like.
A knife, scissors, or my favorite a razorblade.
An air pump.
An air stone.
A gang valve.
BS eggs.
Salt water.

First, empty the bottle. You can empty the bottle however you want but I like drinking the contents.

Second, begin soaking the brine shrimp eggs in a bowl of salt water. They say to use fresh water but I opted for tank water. This is because you have to use salt water later and I thought this would be the easiest way. Fresh water soak is not necessary, salt works fine. It may not even be necessary to soak the eggs. It is up to you.


Third, use a razorblade to cut at the top of the label around the entire bottle.



Forth, clean the bottle. I like cleaning the bottle after cutting so I can reach inside. Do not use detergents or soaps to clean the bottle. Use hot water and remember to take the cap off and clean that area as well. I removed the label, but it was only so I could show what I was doing, it is not necessary.


Fifth, insert the “top” section of the bottle inverted into the main section of the bottle. Leave about 1 inch below the “top.”


Sixth, attach a small air pump to a gang valve via soft airline tubing. Now attach tubing from the gang valve to the BS hatchery with an air stone on the end. Drop the air stone down thought the “top” till it sits on the bottom of the bottle. Now add salt water. You do not want the water line to be above the top of the inverted bottle. Remember to leave room for the soaking water if you choose to soak the eggs. Now with water in the bottle adjust the gang valve to get some bubbles moving. You don’t want to blow the eggs out of the water, just keep everything moving.


Seventh, add the BS eggs and cook for 24-48 hours.

I had great results using this hatchery. I fed the BBS phyto and about an hour later sucked them out through an air tube into a jar. From there you could continue growing them or simply feed them to your tank. My creatures loved them and were busy “hunting” for over an hour.

[CarmieJo]

Great project!