By:Lawrence L. Feltz
Collecting newly hatched brine shrimp
and separating them from their casings (in addition to the unhatched eggs)
is a frustrating task for many tropical fish hobbyists. I have
finally developed a system that minimizes much of the tedium I had
previously experienced. I use an inverted bottomless 2-liter clear-plastic
soda bottle (partially covered with brown paper) which I clamp to the side of my
Brine Shrimp Hatcher using a 6 inch spring hand clamp.
Originally I used clear glass
flat-bottomed quart jars to collect the hatch. The problem here was
the "flat-bottom". Most newly hatched brine shrimp will swim actively.
Since brine shrimp are heavier than water, however, they tend to
settle down near the lowest level despite their efforts to swim. A
funnel shaped container concentrates them in a narrow area, something a
"flat-bottomed" container cannot do.
Suitable containers can be easily
made from two liter soda bottles. Remove the label and the bottom of the
container. Cut a 2 or 3 inch band from the midsection of
another similar container to make a "mounting strap".
I use sheet-rock screws
to attach the strap to a wooden horizontal which is in turn fastened to a
wooden vertical. Friction allows the strap to hold the inverted
bottle. If you look carefully, in this photo you can see the clear plastic
strap. The height of the vertical (chosen after much trial and
error) is important.
Given a choice, newly hatched
brine shrimp will swim towards a light. I hit upon the idea of
covering the top portion of the collection bottle with brown paper
(blocking the light). I hoped this would encourage the newly hatched brine
shrimp to swim to the bottom. It seems to work!!!
I use a 6 inch spring hand
clamp to secure the container to the side of my Brine Shrimp Hatcher
thereby encouraging newly hatched brine shrimp to swim towards the
light of the 40 watt bulb (described earlier - as a source of heat to the brine
shrimp hatcher). The narrow neck of the
collection bottle should be close to the light in order
to maximize effectiveness.
Having previously drained the
contents of the Brine Shrimp Hatcher (newly hatched brine shrimp and their
casings plus any unhatched eggs ) through a net to separate it
from the brine solution, I rinse the net and its
contents with fresh water to eliminate the brine. After letting it
drip a few seconds, I invert the net over the collector (make sure the cap is on
tight before you start). Some of the contents may fall (kerplop) into the bottom
of the narrow neck with no further effort. To completely empty the net I rinse
it into the collector with about a cup of fresh water. All the
contents should now be in the collector. I clamp mine (as described
earlier) to the side of my Brine Shrimp Hatcher. Again, I try to positon the
narrow neck of the collection bottle as close to the light of the 40
watt bulb as possible. I wait a short time while the lighter
shrimp casing float to the top. The heavier unhatched eggs settle on the very
bottom. The newly hatched brine shrimp hover (swim) just above the bottom. I use
a kitchen tool, the turkey baster, to extract them. I use the turkey baster to
serve them into the tank containing the fish.
When finished serving the brine shrimp,
rinse all the tools and store for next use.
