Branchiopod Kit Guide

Starting Your Kit

Temperature

Different branchiopod species thrive at different temperatures. Refer to the recommended temperature ranges for each genus to ensure optimal conditions.

Container Size

Use a glass container that holds between 1 and 3 gallons. Clean it with a diluted bleach solution only. Avoid soap or detergents, as residue can be harmful to branchiopods.

Lighting

To replicate a natural day–night cycle, place the tank near a bright window or provide approximately 8 hours of LED lighting per day.

Water

Spring water is recommended because it contains minerals essential for branchiopod health. Avoid tap water, as it may contain chlorine, chloramines, or heavy metals that can be detrimental.

Substrate

Mix the substrate packet with water. It contains sand, compost, and beneficial microorganisms (bacteria, algae, fungi) that serve as early food for branchiopods.

The substrate is formulated to release the correct ionic composition of minerals required by the specific species included in the kit.

Minerals will gradually leach into the water, increasing hardness and stabilizing water chemistry.

Allow the substrate to sit for 1–2 days before adding eggs so microorganisms can establish.

Gently stir the substrate to help it settle; it may take up to a day for all material to sink.

Aeration

Aeration is optional but can improve hatching rates, increase algae growth, and support a larger population. Use only a gentle airflow, as branchiopods are weak swimmers and can be injured by strong currents.

Adding Eggs

Add the egg packet once the tank is prepared. Hatching typically occurs 1–3 days after hydration, depending on temperature and species.

Branchiopod Care

Hatching

Newly hatched nauplii are extremely small and may be difficult to see. To observe them:

• Darken the room

• Shine a flashlight along the side of the container

• The nauplii will swim toward the light

Initial Feeding

Mix 1 spoon of baker’s yeast into 1/4 cup of dechlorinated water. Ensure the mixture is fully dissolved.

Add 3–5 drops of this solution per gallon. Newly hatched branchiopods may not require feeding immediately, as they often have sufficient microorganisms available in the substrate.

Feeding as They Grow

Feed once daily, or every other day if the tank is lightly stocked.

Add 5–10 drops of the food solution per gallon.

The water should appear slightly hazy, not milky.

Overfeeding can cause oxygen depletion and bacterial blooms.

If the water becomes cloudy, stop feeding until it clears. Introduce food gradually as the biological filter matures and the nitrogen cycle stabilizes.

Alternative foods:

• Green water (algae culture) — how to culture green water

• Powdered fish food

• For older tadpole shrimp: crushed flakes or small pellets

Water Maintenance

Avoid full water changes. Instead:

• Top off evaporated water with fresh spring water

• If surface scum develops, remove it gently with a piece of paper towel

Long-Term Care

Lifespan

Branchiopods typically live 6–32 weeks with proper care. As adults die naturally, eggs will accumulate at the bottom of the tank. Allow the tank to dry completely, then rehydrate to begin a new generation.

Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle

The nitrogen cycle is the natural process by which beneficial bacteria convert toxic waste products into safer compounds. In a branchiopod tank, this cycle is essential for maintaining stable, healthy water conditions.

Ammonia (NH₃)  

Produced by decaying food, waste, and dead organisms. Ammonia is highly toxic to branchiopods.

Nitrite (NO₂⁻)

Beneficial bacteria convert ammonia into nitrite. Nitrite is also harmful, though slightly less so.

Nitrate (NO₃⁻)  

A second group of bacteria converts nitrite into nitrate. Nitrate is far less toxic and can be tolerated at low to moderate levels.

A stable nitrogen cycle helps prevent sudden die‑offs and supports long-term health.

Health Indicators

Signs of Healthy Branchiopods

• Active, steady swimming

• Clear, well‑formed bodies

• Consistent feeding behavior

• A visible, full gut line

• Brown or green coloration is normal and depends on the food source

Signs of Unhealthy Branchiopods

• Lethargy or weak swimming

• Floating or sinking without control

• Pale or empty gut line

• Red or inflamed gills (in species where visible)

• Rapid die‑off of multiple individuals

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did my shrimp suddenly die?

Sudden die‑offs can occur for several reasons:

• Overfeeding leading to oxygen depletion

• Unstable or incomplete nitrogen cycle

• Temperature fluctuations

• Contamination from soap, detergents, or metals

• Low oxygen levels

• Old age (especially around the 3 month mark)

If a die‑off occurs, allow the tank to dry completely. The eggs left behind will remain viable and can be rehydrated to start a new generation.

Why is the water cloudy?

Cloudy water is usually caused by a bacterial bloom. This is common in new setups and is not always harmful. In fact, a moderate bacterial bloom can be beneficial, as these microorganisms serve as an additional food source for branchiopods.

However, a bloom also indicates that the system is operating near the edge of instability. If the nitrogen cycle is not yet fully established, the sudden increase in bacterial activity can rapidly consume oxygen or cause spikes in ammonia and nitrite. This can lead to a system crash if not monitored.

Cloudiness should gradually clear on its own as the biological filter stabilizes. During this period:

• Do not feed until the water begins to clear

• Avoid disturbing the substrate

• Allow the beneficial bacteria time to establish

  
  

It is a balancing act: early bacterial blooms can support the developing ecosystem, but they also signal that the tank is still maturing and vulnerable to sudden changes.

Why aren’t my eggs hatching?

Possible causes include:

• Temperature outside the ideal range

• Insufficient oxygenation

• Lack of light

• Water that is too soft or too acidic