Brine Shrimp (Artemia) Hatching Protocol – Ziss Hatchery

Using the Ziss Brine Shrimp Hatchery – Lane Aquatics Protocol

Brine shrimp (Artemia) are one of the most important live foods in fish breeding. They provide high protein nutrition that improves fry survival, growth rates, and overall health. At Lane Aquatics, we use a controlled hatching method with the Ziss Brine Shrimp Hatchery to ensure consistent, high-yield results every cycle.

This guide outlines our exact lab procedure.

🧪 Materials Needed

• Ziss Brine Shrimp Hatchery

• Brine shrimp eggs (½–1 tablespoon)

• Baking soda (heaping ⅛ tablespoon)

• Aquarium salt (1⅔ tablespoons)

• Air pump + airline tubing

• Light source

• Collection cup or glass container

• Tap water

• Fine mesh brine shrimp net (recommended)

⚙️ Step 1: Prepare the Hatchery

1. Ensure the bottom harvest valve is fully closed.

2. Fill the hatchery with clean tap water to the recommended fill line.

3. Secure the hatchery in its stand or holder.

💨 Step 2: Start Aeration

1. Connect airline tubing to the air inlet.

2. Turn on air pump.

3. Confirm strong bubbling throughout the cone.

⚠️ Aeration must remain ON the entire incubation period to keep eggs suspended and oxygenated.

🧂 Step 3: Add Salt & Buffer

Add directly into the hatchery:

• 1⅔ tablespoons aquarium salt

• Heaping ⅛ tablespoon baking soda

Allow to mix for ~5 minutes.

🥚 Step 4: Prepare Eggs

1. Remove brine shrimp eggs from freezer storage.

2. Let thaw for approximately 5 minutes before use.

🧫 Step 5: Add Eggs

1. Add ½–1 tablespoon of brine shrimp eggs.

2. Ensure continuous aeration keeps eggs in motion.

💡 Step 6: Incubation

1. Place a light near the hatchery.

2. Maintain continuous aeration.

3. Hatch for 18–24 hours.

🦐 Harvesting Brine Shrimp

Step 7: Prepare for Harvest

After 18–24 hours:

1. Turn OFF air pump.

2. Let system settle for 10 minutes.

3. Place light near bottom harvest area.

Step 8: Separation Process

During settling:

• Egg shells float to top

• Unhatched eggs sink

• Live nauplii concentrate toward light and bottom collection zone

Step 9: Collect Shrimp

1. Place collection cup under harvest valve.

2. Slowly open valve.

3. Collect concentrated brine shrimp.

4. Optional: Rinse through fine mesh net before feeding.

Step 10: Feed Fish

Feed immediately for maximum nutritional value and highest fry growth performance.

Step 11: Clean Equipment

1. Remove all remaining water and debris.

2. Rinse hatchery thoroughly with fresh water.

3. Clean airline tubing if needed.

4. Allow to dry or restart next cycle.

📊 Quick Reference Chart

ParameterValueBrine Shrimp Eggs½–1 tbspAquarium Salt1⅔ tbspBaking SodaHeaping ⅛ tbspHatch Time18–24 hoursAerationContinuousHarvest Wait10 minutes

⚠️ Important Notes

• Aeration must NEVER be turned off during incubation

• Do not harvest before 18 hours

• Always clean hatchery after each use

• Rinse shrimp when possible before feeding fry

• Consistency = higher hatch rates and better fish growth

🧬 About This Protocol

This method is used at Lane Aquatics (Texas-based breeder) to produce consistent live food for angelfish, guppies, plecos, cichlids, and other freshwater species. Proper live food culture is one of the most important factors in successful aquarium breeding.