Temperature Consideration: Different fairy shrimp species thrive at different temperatures. Refer to the temperature ranges below for optimal conditions:
Warm water species:
Streptocephalus sp.: 70 to 78°F
Branchinella sp.: 70 to 78°F
Thamnocephalus sp.: 70 to 78°F
Cool water species:
Branchinecta sp.: 50 to 70°F
Cold water species:
Eubranchipus sp.: 32 to 60°F
Container Size: Choose a glass container with a capacity of 1 to 3 gallons. Use bleach to clean the container; do not use soap or any detergents as the residue can be harmful.
Lighting: Place the tank near a sunny window or provide LED lighting for approximately 8 hours daily to mimic the natural day cycle.
Water: Spring water is a great option as it contains necessary minerals for the shrimp to thrive. If using distilled water, consider adding a pinch of baking soda per gallon to add minerals. Tap water is not recommended as it can harm the fairy shrimps.
Substrate: Add 1 cup of substrate per gallon of water. A combination of 4 parts sand, and 1 part compost (rinsed) are highly effective. Over time, minerals will leach from the substrate, adding more minerals to the water, making it hard, which is what the fairy shrimps require.
Microorganism Growth: The compost contains bacteria, algae, and fungi that fairy shrimp will eat and is a good source of detritus. Allow the water to sit for 1 to 2 days before introducing the eggs to let these microbes grow.
Aeration: This step is not required but can be beneficial. Using an air pump to increase aeration will enhance hatching rates, help increase algae and support a higher number of fairy shrimps. Use a light flow of air, as fairy shrimps are not strong swimmers and can be easily injured.
Adding Eggs: Introduce half of the egg packet to ensure more eggs to work with if the first batch does not succeed. Hatching should occur 1 to 3 days after exposure to water for most species.
Fairy Shrimp Care:
Hatching: After a few days, the fairy shrimp eggs should hatch. At this stage, they will be barely visible to the naked eye. Darken the room and shine a flashlight into the side of the container to view them, as they are attracted to bright lights.
Initial Feeding: Evenly sprinkle a small amount of powdered fish flakes across the water surface. While dry yeast or spirulina are alternative options, powdered fish flakes have proven to be the most effective choice. You may not need to feed for a while, as fairy shrimps should have plenty of microbes to feed on.
Feeding: Wait a week or two before adding another small amount of powdered fish flakes. Gradually increase the quantity every few days as the fairy shrimps grow. If the water becomes cloudy, refrain from feeding until it clears. Observe their digestive tract; if it appears clear, they may not be getting enough food. The digestive tract should ideally be deep green or brown.
Avoid Overfeeding: Be cautious not to overfeed, as excessive waste buildup can be detrimental to your fairy shrimps.
Water Maintenance: Avoid water changes; instead, slowly add water to refill the water level if necessary. As the water evaporates, top it off with fresh spring water. If a "scum" develops on the water surface, gently remove it with a piece of paper towel.
Algae Management: Remove overgrowth of string algae if possible, as some fairy shrimp can become trapped in it.
Long-Term Care:
Maintenance: Continue to monitor water quality, feeding habits, and overall condition to ensure the well-being of your fairy shrimps.
Lifespan: With consistent care, fairy shrimp have a lifespan of about 6 to 8 weeks, after which they will start to die off from old age; however, some species live longer.
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