Buzz
Sea monkeys, despite their misleading name and habitat, are essentially miniature brine shrimp engineered in the 1950s. They gained rapid popularity as convenient pets and a readily available source of sustenance for aquatic creatures. Upon hatching in unchlorinated saltwater, they typically manifest within 24 hours, transforming into diminutive, translucent crustaceans bearing tails reminiscent of monkeys. Sea monkeys demand minimal upkeep, albeit necessitating clean, oxygen-rich water consistently.
Procedures
Establishing the Aquatic Environment
Secure a pristine, plastic receptacle. Numerous sea monkey kits include compact plastic tanks suitable for nurturing and accommodating the creatures. Alternatively, if your kit lacks such a tank, any clean plastic container capable of accommodating at least two liters of water suffices. Opt for a container with a substantial base, as sea monkeys frequently gravitate towards the lower regions of their habitats.
Fill the tank with two liters of purified water. You can utilize bottled water, distilled water, or any form of non-chlorinated water. Avoid carbonated or tap water, as they often contain fluoride and other minerals detrimental to your sea monkeys.
- Once the tank is filled, position it indoors to attain room temperature. This ensures the water is sufficiently warm for sea monkey egg incubation.
- Aerate the tank water at least once or twice daily using an air pump or a turkey baster.
Introduce the water purifier into the tank. The water purifier or salt packet should be included in your sea monkey kit from stores or online purchases. This salt-containing purifier is vital for the hatching and thriving of your sea monkeys.
- After adding the salt packet, stir the water and let it sit at room temperature for another day or up to 36 hours before introducing the sea monkeys.
Place the sea monkeys in the water and await hatching. Upon pouring the sea monkeys into the tank, gently stir the water with a clean plastic spoon. The sea monkeys will initially appear as tiny specks but will hatch within approximately five days and begin swimming within the tank.
- During the incubation period, aerate the water at least once or twice daily to ensure adequate oxygen levels for the developing sea monkeys.
Feeding Your Sea Monkeys
Commence feeding your sea monkeys five days post-hatch. Rather than feeding immediately upon hatching, wait for five days. On the fifth day post-hatching, provide sea monkey food included in your kit.
- Using the small end of the feeding spoon, sprinkle one small spoonful of food into the tank. Feed them this amount every two days. Avoid feeding them fish food or anything other than designated sea monkey food.
Administer sea monkey food every five days. Regular feeding every five days is essential to maintain the health and contentment of your sea monkeys. Avoid overfeeding, as it often proves fatal to them.
- Sea monkeys possess transparency, allowing for visible observation of their digestive tract. A full digestive tract presents as a black stripe down their body. Once they expel waste, their digestive tract becomes clear again.
Reduce sea monkey feeding when algae proliferates in the tank. Over time, green algae naturally develops in the tank, accompanied by a grassy odor akin to freshly mown lawns. These signs are positive, indicating the presence of algae which serves as sustenance for sea monkeys, promoting their well-being. Transition to weekly feeding once green algae begins accumulating in the tank.
- No cause for concern arises regarding tank cleanliness upon algae formation. Despite the green appearance, the tank environment remains conducive and beneficial for your sea monkeys.
Tank Maintenance
Aerate tank water twice daily. Adequate oxygenation is vital for the well-being of your sea monkeys. Oxygen deprivation may manifest in a pinkish hue, sluggishness, or fatigue. Ensure sufficient oxygen levels by aerating the tank twice daily, once in the morning and once at night. Employ an air pump, suitable for small aquariums, to aerate the water for at least one minute, twice daily.
- An alternative method involves using a small turkey baster for aeration. Squeeze the baster in the air, then immerse it in the water to release oxygen. Repeat this process for at least one minute, twice daily.
- To create a DIY air bubbler, repurpose a pipette by puncturing the top and creating numerous tiny holes at the nozzle. Use a pin or stapler from various angles, then remove the staples.
- To simplify aeration duties, introduce a small live plant into the tank to supplement oxygen levels. Opt for an aquatic plant renowned for its underwater oxygenating properties.
Position the tank in a warm environment. Sea monkeys thrive in environments slightly warmer than room temperature. Place the tank in an area with indirect sunlight and maintain a temperature of at least 22°C (72°F). This ensures adequate warmth without excessive coldness for your sea monkeys.
- Cold temperatures lead to sea monkeys becoming immobile or stunted in growth. If you notice inactivity or stunted growth, it may indicate a need to relocate the tank to a warmer area with indirect sunlight.
