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How to Raise Saltwater Shrimp for People

According to the Auburn University Marine Extension and Research Center, saltwater shrimp account for nearly 30 percent of the world's shrimp production. Some people raise shrimp as pets, others as fish food, and some breed them for the market. While there are a variety of colorful pet shrimp, many of which can complement or be the featured animal of a saltwater aquarium tank, pet shrimp are difficult to maintain and can't be eaten. Brine shrimp can't be eaten by humans either, but they are one of the more common saltwater shrimp species, primarily used for breeding and as a cash crop. They can be sold by people to aquarium stores for other fish to consume. Brine shrimp can be raised in small aquariums with little maintenance.

Things You'll Need

Salt water aquarium
Micro algae
Yeast
Wheat flower
Soybean powder
Hydrometer
Aquarium salt
p.H meter
Crushed coral
Peat moss
Driftwood
Air pump
Air stone
Oxygen filter

Instructions

- 1
  Set up the shrimp tank so that its temperature is between 76 and 87 degrees Fahrenheit. According to the website Brine Shrimp Direct, the ratio of water to shrimp should be 1000 for every liter. For example, a 40-gallon fish tank would be able to sustain roughly 150,000 brine shrimp. Brine shrimp can survive in high-density environments with relatively low oxygen levels. Brine shrimp can live in very small or very large tanks.
- 2
  Keep the salinity of the water at 30 to 35 parts per thousand. You can measure salinity with a hydrometer. If salt levels or too low, you can buy salt from a local aquarium and add it to the water. To reduce or dilute salt levels, simply exchange the salt water in the tank with fresh water.
- 3
  Keep the pH balance of the water between 6 and 9. You can measure pH with a pH meter, which can be purchased at a local aquarium or fish store. To increase a tank's pH, add crushed coral. To decrease it, add peat moss or driftwood, all of which can typically be found at an aquarium shop.
- 4
  Feed the shrimp throughout the day. Brine shrimp have adapted to handle a variety of foods, including micro algae aquarium food, yeast, wheat flower and soybean powder. Simply place or drop these items into the tank at one time. The amount of food is determined by water transparency and the size of the tank. If the tank has 25 cm of water transparency, meaning you can see 25 cm into the aquarium looking straight into it, that is a sufficient amount, according to the website Aquatic Community.
- 5
  Change 20 percent of the water at least once a week. Because of their eating habits and because they live in a small environment, it's important to replenish oxygen into the tank. Adding oxygen air stones or air pumps as well as an oxygen filter can also aid in keeping oxygen levels high, which will lead to healthier shrimp. Live plants can help as well. All these things can be purchased at an aquarium store.
- 6
  Clean the bottom of the tank once a month. Brine shrimp moult and can deteriorate the water in the tank quickly. Simply place the shrimp in buckets filled with salt water while you clean the tank.

Animals & Science