Hey there, fellow fish enthusiasts! I’ve been in the aquarium hobby for years, and one question that keeps popping up is where to get those tiny swimming treats our fish love so much. Today, I’m gonna share everything I know about buying live brine shrimp – from trusted suppliers to tips that’ll save you money and hassle.
Why Brine Shrimp Direct is Your Best Bet
Let me tell you why Brine Shrimp Direct has become my go-to source. They’re based in Ogden, Utah, and have been crushing it in the aquarium food game. Here’s what makes them special:
- Business hours that work for most: Monday-Thursday (8:30-4:30) and Friday (8:30-2:00) MST
- Two ways to reach them: 1-800-303-7914 or 1-801-782-4700
- Huge variety of brine shrimp products (seriously, they’ve got everything!)
Types of Brine Shrimp Products Available
1. Brine Shrimp Eggs
- Premium Grade
- Grade A
- Economy Grade
- 65% Hatch-Out
- San Francisco Strain
- Decapsulated
- Shell Free E-Z Hatching
2. Live Food Options
We’ve got several choices when it comes to live foods
- Frozen Brine Shrimp
- Raw-No-Thaw options
- Various hatching kits
Price Changes Heads Up!
Just so you know – Brine Shrimp Direct recently announced they’re adjusting prices due to tariffs. These changes are happening because they use top-quality ingredients from around the world. Kinda stinks, but that’s how it goes sometimes!
Setting Up Your Own Brine Shrimp Hatchery
Wanna save some cash? Here’s what you’ll need
- Hatchery Dish ($25.95)
- Starter Kit (includes dish, eggs, and spirulina powder – $29.95)
- Some basic equipment like:
- Mesh bags
- Sieves
- Sponge bio filters
Alternative Places to Buy Live Brine Shrimp
While Brine Shrimp Direct is awesome, here are some other options I’ve tried:
-
Local Fish Stores (LFS)
- Usually have fresh stock
- Can see what you’re buying
- Might be pricier
-
Online Marketplaces
- Amazon
- eBay
- Aquabid
-
Fish Shows and Expos
- Great for networking
- Often better prices
- Fresh products
Tips for Buying Live Brine Shrimp
After years of trial and error, here’s what I’ve learned:
-
Storage Tips
- Keep em cool
- Don’t overcrowd
- Use clean containers
-
Shipping Considerations
- Order during moderate weather
- Avoid holiday shipping
- Choose expedited shipping when possible
-
Quality Checks
- Look for active swimming
- Check for dead ones
- Verify water clarity
When to Buy Live Brine Shrimp
Timing is everything! Here’s what we’ve learned:
- Early week orders usually arrive fresher
- Avoid ordering during extreme weather
- Plan ahead for holidays (Brine Shrimp Direct closes on weekends and some holidays)
Feeding Guidelines
Quick tips for feeding live brine shrimp:
-
Baby Fish
- Feed 2-3 times daily
- Small portions
- Newly hatched brine shrimp work best
-
Adult Fish
- Once daily is usually enough
- Can handle larger brine shrimp
- Mix with other foods
Cost-Saving Strategies
Nobody likes spending more than they have to, right? Here’s how to save some cash:
-
Bulk Ordering
- Buy eggs instead of live
- Share orders with friends
- Look for combo deals
-
DIY Hatching
- Get a hatching kit
- Follow instructions carefully
- Save long-term
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from my oops moments:
-
Ordering Too Much
- Live brine shrimp don’t last forever
- Order what you can use in 1-2 weeks
-
Poor Planning
- Not checking shipping times
- Forgetting about holidays
- Ignoring weather conditions
Final Thoughts
Getting live brine shrimp ain’t rocket science, but it does need some planning. Brine Shrimp Direct is probs your best bet for quality and variety, but don’t forget to check local stores too.
Remember to:
- Order what you need
- Plan for shipping
- Store properly
- Feed appropriately
Getting the hang of buying live brine shrimp takes a bit of practice, but once you figure out what works for you and your fish, it’s pretty straightforward. Trust me, your fish will thank you for putting in the effort to get them these tasty treats!
Need more info? Drop me a comment below or check out Brine Shrimp Direct’s website. They’ve got tons of educational resources and FAQs that’ll help you become a brine shrimp pro!
P.S. Don’t forget to sign up for their email updates – they sometimes send out some pretty sweet deals!
From Live Brine Shrimp Hatchery Kits available in hobby sizes to commercial sizes, to Brine Shrimp Culture Kits and Live Brine Shrimp Food, we have everything you need to successfully grow and feed vibrant, healthy brine shrimp.
McMaster has recently developed the technology for the successful small batch culture of live brine shrimp. Now you can grow all the brine shrimp you need at an affordable cost in your own home, shop or farm. It’s simple and easy with GrowBrineShrimp.com’s technology.
These Brine Shrimp Grow Kits are currently offered in 1 gallon mini farm kit, (for young marine biologists ages 8 to 18, for school biology classes, for research and toxicity testing, etc.), 10-, 20- and 40 gallon sizes (larger kits available upon request). All you need to do is purchase the recommended tank size that best suits your needs and space. The water chemistry and dry food packets provided take all the guess work and frustration out of rearing brine shrimp in small batch culture.
SAVE YOUR SEAHORSE PETS
Hatch your own live saltwater fish food! Brine Shrimp Direct Hatchery Dish & BRS Brine Shrimp Eggs
FAQ
Does Petco sell brine shrimp?
Brine shrimp, also known as Artemia, are a nutritious and easy to feed live food. They can be fed to nearly any freshwater fish and provide an excellent protein-rich diet for young fish. Brine shrimp can be cultured at home or purchased from your neighborhood Petco Pet Care Center.
Where do you find brine shrimp?
Brine shrimp, male and female (with cysts). Brine shrimp are crustaceans that inhabit saline waters around the world, both inland and on the coast.
Can I put live brine shrimp in an aquarium?
Live baby brine shrimp are a great source of food for all freshwater fish. Even my plecos enjoy them #fish #aquarium #fishtank.
Do pets at home sell brine shrimp?
Natural, frozen brine shrimp, ideal for all freshwater and marine fish. Feed as much as your fish can consume in minutes. Your fish will love JMC frozen brine shrimp, natural fish food frozen for freshness and ideal for all freshwater and Marine fish. 100gm provided.