In my experience, brine shrimp shells have not made a noticeable impact on my aquatic environment. After switching to higher-quality brine shrimp eggs with better hatch rates, the shells have become less of an issue.
When I was regularly feeding a large number of baby brine shrimp (BBS) to my fish, I often found shells mixed in with the food. The fish would consume these shells and then promptly spit them out, almost as if they were nibbling on bits of sand – definitely not a delicacy for them. Another minor inconvenience is that these shells tend to float on the surface and can get lodged in hard-to-reach spots, making cleaning a bit frustrating.
However, over time, these shells do get removed from the tank, either being sucked into the filter or cleared away with a hose. Fortunately, I never observed any harmful effects in the aquarium caused by the shells; they simply detracted from the overall appearance of the tank.
If you’re looking to manage brine shrimp shells, I recommend separating them out. Most guides suggest this technique since using a plastic syringe can make the process quite straightforward. The shells float or settle at the bottom, while the BBS tend to gather around the brightest light source, allowing for easy collection.
### Key Takeaways:
– **Shells Are Not Harmful:** No adverse effects were observed from shells in the tank.
– **Maintenance Tips:** Use a syringe to separate shells effortlessly.
– **Cleaning:** Over time, shells can be vacuumed up or removed with a hose.
In conclusion, while brine shrimp shells may seem bothersome, they are manageable with a little effort, and their presence doesn’t necessarily harm your aquatic life.
