10 gallon tank Sponge filter (that comes with a tube, a sponge, and a hookup for the air pump) Air pump Tank heater and thermometer A package of brine shrimp cysts (eggs) Aquarium salt mix (setting up a brand new aquarium means you will need about 13 pounds of salt per 50 gallons) 1 gallon container with a lid 10 gallons reverse osmosis water Refractometer or hydrometer for measuring salinity Gravel vacuum Flashlight
Leave room between the tank and the wall so the air pump will easily fit. The surface should also be level.
The salt container will have specific instructions for calculating the amount of salt necessary for your tank. Don’t worry if you add too much or too little salt; you can adjust the levels before adding the brine shrimp cysts.
Operating the refractometer or hydrometer involves placing some of the water inside via a dropper or other apparatus. Test the water until you reach the correct salinity. If you’ve mixed the saltwater correctly according to the manufacturer’s instructions, you will not have to tinker with the mixture.
You can place the sponge filter on the bottom of the tank or mount it to the side of the tank, depending on the model you purchased. There are many cheap filters on the market nowadays, but do not scrimp on filtering equipment. Faulty filters may cause the brine shrimp to die. [4] X Research source
If your brine shrimp are not growing or hatching, check the salinity and temperature of the tank for problems. It is natural for some of the brine shrimp to die.
Fill a gallon container with reverse osmosis water. Add the salt per manufacturer’s instructions. Cap the container, and store the saltwater in a cool, dry area until you need it.
Siphon the dirty water off the bottom of the tank with the gravel vacuum. Then, replace the siphoned water with some of the marine salt mixture you made earlier. Check the salinity and temperature of the tank to make sure the levels are good.
Use a flashlight to herd the brine shrimp away from the sponge filter when doing this. You may need someone to help you grab the filter or shine the light.
