Re: [Killietalk] Re: Hatching BBS eggs

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

The two biggest variables, besides Artemia cyst quality, are temperature and 
aeration. If the temperature is too low they take longer or never hatch. If 
the temperature is too high, they hatch more quickly and then die before you 
realize it. If the aeration is too weak, they will neither hatch well not live 
long. The other important factor is light. They hatch better with a 24 hour 
light. I use tap water which contains both chlorine and chloramine. I add 9 
pellets of Morton Solar Salt and if the tap water is lower TDS because of heavy 
rains, I add some Epsom salt and baking soda (a pinch of each). All these precise 
measurements are for a two liter plastic soda bottle. One tablespoonful of 
brine shrimp eggs per bottle. I throw away the water after each hatch and scrub 
the inside of the bottle. I don't know which, if any, of these are important, 
except the temperature and aeration. Once in a while I get a bad hatch, for no 
reason I can understand, but I suspect I may not have gotten the air tube all 
the way to the bottom.

Lee Harper
Media, PA
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