Cheap, Easy, Effective Brine Shrimp Egg Hatchery
 
   

  1. Gather the following materials. . .

  • 2 two liter soft drink bottles with caps.
  • 3 feet of aquarium airline tubing.
  • 7/32" (.219) drill bit and drill.
  • Silicone sealer (optional).
  • Knife or scissors.
 
   

    2. Then. . .
  • Remove the labels from the bottles.
  • Cut off the top of the first bottle.
  • Cut off the bottom of the second bottle.
  
 
   

3. Cut or drill a 3/8" (or larger) hole in the bottom of the first bottle.
 
 
 

4. Put the cap back on the second bottle. . .

  • Use the first bottle as a base.
  • Insert the second bottle as shown.
  • Measure 1 quart or 1 liter of water.
  • Pour into top bottle and mark the level.
 
   
   

5. Pour water out, and. . .

  • Take the hatchery apart.
  • Drill a 7/32" hole in the center of the cap.
  • Insert airline (it's tight!) about 1/4".
  • Optional - seal around hole with sealer.
 
 
   

6. Put it back together. . .

  • Screw cap back on.
  • Thread the airline through the hole in the base.
  • Insert second bottle into base.
  • Stand hatchery in desired location.
  • Attach airline to air pump. (Put pump higher than hatchery).
  • Add water, salt, and brine shrimp eggs.
 
   
 
   

7. Harvesting is easy. . .

  • Turn off the air.
  • Wait 5 minutes, letting shrimp settle to bottom.
  • Disconnect the airline from air supply.
  • Use airline to drain shrimp into another container.
  • Strain, rinse, & feed.
Helpful hint. . . Use the cut off bottom piece as a lid to limit evaporation and splashing.
 

Happy Hatching!

 
 
Copyright 2005 Robert D. Claiborne