How to Hatch Baby Brine Shrimp at Home: Live & Nutritious Fish Food Made Easy

Does the concept of feeding "live food" in your aquarium make you nervous? Do you want to have healthier, happier fish? In this video we will walk you through how to easily hatch baby brine shrimp with our favorite (and oh so affordable) all-in-one, no pump, no light, beginner friendly hatchery kit that will provide you with a daily food source for weeks and months to come. If you have never seen your fish react to the sight of live food... just give this a try.

Be it freshwater or salt, expert or novice, if you have delved into feeding live foods to your aquarium, this is a great way to start. This video is ideal for beginners

Baby Brine Shrimp Hatchery FAQ

Q: Why should I feed baby brine shrimp to my fish?
A: Baby brine shrimp are one of the most nutritious live foods you can offer. They boost growth, coloration, and overall health, and fish show an immediate, enthusiastic feeding response compared to prepared foods.

Q: Do I need an air pump to hatch brine shrimp?
A: Not with this style of hatchery kit. It uses a simple baffle design—no air pump required. Just fill, wait, and harvest.

Q: What comes with a typical brine shrimp hatchery kit?
A: Most kits include an egg scoop, sieve, baffle system to separate shells from live shrimp, and a small tool (like a turkey baster) for collecting and feeding them.

Q: What kind of water do I need?
A: Brine shrimp only hatch in saltwater. You can use table salt, aquarium salt, or reef salt. For best results, aim for a salinity around 25 parts per thousand (1.020–1.025 SG).

Q: Why do I need a light?
A: Yes, baby brine shrimp are naturally attracted to light, which makes harvesting easier. Place a light source above or near the hatchery so it shines into the center chamber so that you can easily collect them with the included sieve.

Q: How long does it take for the eggs to hatch?
A: Typically within 24 hours, you’ll start seeing live shrimp swimming in the hatchery.

Q: When can I feed the shrimp to my fish?
A: Newly hatched shrimp can be fed right away. Within the first few hours, they still carry egg yolk reserves, making them extra nutritious. If you wait longer, you may need to feed the shrimp with spirulina or other micro foods before offering them to your fish.

Q: Can I enrich the shrimp before feeding them?
A: Yes! Many aquarists feed their brine shrimp spirulina powder or carotenoid supplements to boost nutrition and color.

Q: How often can I hatch brine shrimp?
A: As often as you like. With a good kit, you can set up a new hatch in just minutes and get consistent results every day.

Q: Are brine shrimp difficult or expensive to raise?
A: Not at all. With the right hatchery kit, it’s low-maintenance, affordable, and a sustainable way to give your fish the highest quality live food.