This blog post is for you if :
- You want to start raising Brine Shrimp to feed your fish.
- You want to improve your current method of raising Brine Shrimp.
- You want to see how 3D printed accessories can be used in the aquarium hobby.
My oldest son has a 3D printer. ( We all will, someday soon)
He printed these:
It cost him less than $1 each (US dollars).
It takes several parts to complete the hatchery. First, a bottle. Use a two-liter plastic bottle. Cut off the bottom.
You also need a plastic or rubber washer. Use the size that goes into the female end of a garden hose. See the picture below.
Screw the bottle into the hatchery base.
The final part of the system is the air valve and air lines.
For two bottles, I used a valve with four outlets. I capped off the two ends that are normally air inlets. Air comes in and can be controlled with a valve. In the picture above, the system is running normally. Air valve is open and air is going to both bottles.
I think I’ll make another post that shows, step-by-step, how I collect shrimp for feeding. It is so slick and easy. No mess. I shut off the air, the eggs float, the shrimp settles to the bottom. I take down the drain line and run it to a brine shrimp net. Open two valves. Tons of shrimp goes into the net. Close a valve, open another. Hey, I’m not really going into detail right now. It is soooooo smooth. Like I said, I’ll make another post that describes it step-by-step.
Also, very importantly, I had better find out where my son downloads the file that tells his printer how to make these. (UPDATE: See link in comments section. )
Having a convenient way to feed live shrimp to my fish has rekindled my interest in fishkeeping. My fish are healthier, and I believe some, such as my corydoras, are getting into breeding condition.
Having a convenient set up for live food can really take fish husbandry to the next level!
I’m anxious for Spring. I want to collect daphnia, gammarus, and mosquito larvae.
Shrimp hatchery https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:20839
Printed in natural (dyeless) PLA.
https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3313194
Here’s another version my son just shared with me. This one looks very good, maybe better, than the type I’m using.