First things first!
So you've never raised Sea-Monkeys before?? Not to worry... It's easy! But before you can even start, you at need to at least obtain one of the many Sea-Monkey starter kits available. These can range from a basic 3 packet kit with no extras, to much more complete kits with plenty of accessories. Any kit can get you started, but for beginners, I would personally advise a kit that at least includes an aquarium. If you want to go all out and jump right in with both flippers, I suggest the Ghostly Galleon kit. Kits can be purchased through a number of vendors, but one of my favorite places to buy Sea Monkeys is at DiscoverThis.com. Plus they have all sorts of other cool stuff.
Let's create INSTANT LIFE!
Once you have a kit, you will begin by measuring out 12 ounces (354.5 milliliters) of water. Tap water is ok to use, but you should first boil it (and then let it cool!). If you can, it's best to use a quality bottled water instead. Just be sure the water is at room temperature before proceeding to the next step.
Once you have measured the correct amount of water into the aquarium (or other container if you don't have one... such as a jar or glass), locate the No.1 Water Purifier packet. Empty the entire contents of this packet into the water, then carefully stir the water for one minute, or until the powder is almost completely dissolved.
The next step requires just a bit of patience. Set the aquarium aside in a safe, well lit place where it will not be disturbed or knocked over. Let it remain there (at room temperature) for 24 to 30 hours. The Water Purifier needs this time to prepare the proper formula balance for the baby eggs to hatch and grow. After 24 to 30 hours have passed, it's time to locate the No.2 Instant Live Eggs packet.
It's time for that magical moment! Open Packet No.2 Instant Live Eggs and pour the entire contents into your aquarium of purified water. Now stir gently for about one minute so that the crystals begin to dissolve. The Sea-Monkey eggs will begin to hatch instantly, and you will actually see your newborn pets - ALIVE!
Sea-Monkeys are very tiny when first hatched, but grow many times larger in just a matter of days. If you're having trouble seeing them, try placing a strong light source behind the container. While the water is still swirling from your stirring, observe closely and you'll see what looks like tiny white dots swimming against the current. Those dots are your newly hatched Sea-Monkeys. Congratulations... you've just created INSTANT LIFE!
Where to go from here?
FEEDING: Now that you have your own thriving colony of Sea-Monkeys, it's important that you feed them... but not yet!. Wait 5 days before feeding them for the first time. When doing so, make sure to use the small scoop of their feeding spoon... and also be sure that you use a level scoopful. Afterwards, a once a week feeding will keep your pets quite happy. As a tip, I suggest purchasing an inexpensive pocket calendar to keep track of feeding days. Be very careful and Do not overfeed your Sea-Monkeys. Adding too much food will feed bacteria that can multiply rapidly and consume the oxygen in their water, suffocating your pets. If you notice their water getting cloudy, you're feeding them to much. Stop feeding them until the water clears up.
AERATION: This simply means getting more air into the water (also called oxygenating). Begin aerating the water 2 days after they hatch and continue everyday for the next 7 days. Beyond that, I've found that every other day works great, but twice a week is sufficient. If your kit came with a Million Bubble Air Pump (or has a built in pump), this is the best way to aerate. A few pumps and your pets get plenty of oxygen. Another method of aeration is to pour the water back and fourth 5 or 6 times from their tank to another container, but always finish in the original tank. If you're uncomfortable with this, you can also try stirring their water with a plastic spoon for 2 to 3 minutes to move air from the surface to the bottom. For more information on aerating your Sea-Monkeys tank, check out our Sea-Monkey Tips Page.
ENVIRONMENT: Temperature and light are important considerations for the location of your aquarium. An optimum temperature for your Sea-Monkeys water lies between 70 and 75° Fahrenheit. They can be raised at cooler temperatures, but doing so will slow their growth, and they usually will not grow as large. Exposure to daylight is also very helpful... as long as it isn't prolonged direct sunlight (which would excessively heat the water). Light helps to promote the growth of green algae in their tank which produces oxygen as well a supplementary food source. If your environment does not provide for convenient sunlight, a useful item to purchase would be a inexpensive plant light (available at many florist shops and department stores).
ADDITIONAL INFO: Still have more questions? Then feel free to visit our Sea-Monkey Message Board where you can ask specific questions you may have concerning your pets (or just have fun interacting with other Sea-Monkey owners). For more information, feel free to check out our Sea-Monkey FAQ Page and Sea-MonkeyTips Page. Or you can even e-mail at the link below if you like.
|
