Triops, also known as tadpole shrimp, are often called living fossils. This is due to the fact that Triops have lived on our planet for over 350 million years. The little creatures are still around today and are unchanged from their oldest ancestors. These freshwater crustaceans are becoming increasingly more popular with kids and adults alike. Triops are not too difficult to care for as long as one follows all of the important steps. Below, I will explain everything required in order to hatch, raise, and breed Triops. If these instructions are followed carefully, one is guaranteed to have success.
Purchase Materials. Any food grade container made of glass or plastic will work as a tank. The container should be at least two liters in size. Never use tap water under any circumstances. Use distilled deionized water. It is recommended that you get a standard desk lamp to keep the water warm. A substrate is required for the bottom of the tank. Soil or gravel is acceptable, but coral sand is the preferred substrate. You will have to acquire Triops eggs which are available online or at your local hobby shop. You will also need a small amount of detritus which is just another word for decaying organic matter. If detritus is not available at any other source you can use dead leaves or moss from your yard. The last thing you will need to raise Triops is food. Any regular fish food pellets will suffice. Any other accessories or supplies are optional.
Tank Setup. Grab the container you will be using for the tank and rinse it out thoroughly with some of the distilled water. Do not use any soap or cleaning products. These can harm your Triops or prevent the Triops from hatching. After rinsing add your substrate of choice to the bottom of the tank. The best substrate to use is coral sand because it will not make the water cloudy. Make sure the substrate is spread evenly so it covers the entire bottom of the tank.