Hatch n Feeder - Brine Shrimp Hatchery

Overall I really like the Hatch 'N Feeder. It works as advertised in that brine shrimp are hatching and my Swordtail fry love them. As others mentioned, the fry wait at the hatchery exit. When using 4 "small" spoonfuls from the included measuring stick, the fry hatch in 8 hours and seem to last for about 36 hours before there are little to no shrimp left in the hatchery.

My main complaint is the directions. They reference "hatchery" and "egg chamber" but do not define either. Moreover, the directions on the package differ from the directions found in the hatchery, which differ from the directions on the website . There is a section at the top that has a removable divider. The directions are unclear if you are supposed to remove this divider before adding eggs and/or salt. I have had success with adding eggs with the divider in place, then moving it when adding salt. I have also been successful when adding salt with the divider in place. Moreover, I don't know when you are supposed to turn off the air flow to the hatchery. The directions do not cover this. It seems there may be shrimp being pushed around the portion of the hatchery being moved by the air, but they just seem to flow in a circle without entering the section that allows them to exit into the aquarium. Some guidance on this point would be nice. I guess I should not complain because I am getting brine shrimp, but I would like clearer directions designed to maximize the hatching rate.

Another complaint is in how the unit attaches to the aquarium. Water level is key for the unit to work, yet the hatchery is not secure. The suction cup is fine, but the arms that extend from the cup do not tightly grasp the unit, which means it can easily move and even tip if you are not careful when working inside the tank. It might be best if you can place the unit in a corner so it will be less likely to wobble and/or tip.

The only other comment is that I have no idea what % of the eggs are actually hatching. I have seen a lot of shrimp swimming in the hatchery, but there are also a lot of shells (some of which stay at the bottom, and some stay at the top where you initially pour them into the water). I guess it is just something with which I will have to live.

If anyone has any suggestions or comments, they would be greatly appreciated.

I can definitely recommend this product, but you may have to use it a few times to get the hang of it. I bought aquarium salt from PetSmart and these eggs . If you have baby fish to feed, this product is a good investment.

5/22/11 Update: I added additional eggs without cleaning the unit and they hatched without issue (I also added a bit more salt as I figured some of the salt water probably flowed out of the unit). I did, however, clean the unit after the second set of eggs as it was getting a little messy inside the unit.

I've just started raising bettas, and up til now, I've only been feeding with microworms because I was a little intimidated by how much upkeep baby brine shrimp need. And what a pain it is to harvest them. But, ha ha ha ha, it is so very simple now. I was surprised to see the BBS eggs hatch within seventeen hours and willingly swim out of their protective hatchery into the mouths of my greedy betta warriors. However, I am having an issue with the hatchery. You really have to make sure that the water is actually at the water level labeled on the hatchery. It's making changing the water a bit more challenging, because if the water level drops or rises too much, salt water flows out of the hatchery. Ah well. I'd say it's worth it.

Buy Hatch n Feeder - Brine Shrimp Hatchery Now

I haven't bought this product from this person, but I did buy the exact same thing somewhere else. This is amazing. For you bettas breeder you know you gotta keep the tank really clean for the babies. Well, thing does all the work does for you. all you do is add salt and eggs. It just sit in the frys' tank and the saltwater never MIXES. and the eggs that hatch will not float into the tank. the shrimp just swim out and feed the baby bettas non stop around the clock. and you wont even have to add my more eggs to it for days. i just added more after 2 days so i have a fresh brine shrimp for sure! Best product for easier way to feed BABIES.

Read Best Reviews of Hatch n Feeder - Brine Shrimp Hatchery Here

I placed this hatchery in a 75 gallon tank containing spotted puffers. I read the poor reviews of this product and specifically looked for the complaints listed here. I found none of them to be accurate. The suction cup is quite strong when placed properly in the tank. I also have a brackish water condition so I have little concern for water mixing. However, if used properly will be very effective in keeping water separate. You will need an air pump for this to function well. If your pump is too strong, purchase an air flow restrictor for very little cost compared to a new pump. my shrimp hatched within 24 hours and began to exit the hatchery within 48 hours. The instructions were clear and easy to follow for someone with experience in aquariums and their care. Very enjoyable and functional product. I can now give my fish a live treat with less cost and no concern of transfering disease or parasites. One tip if you have a fresh water tank and do not want any salt water leakage, do not remove air tubing while still in the tank. Remove the entire unit quickly and into a waiting bucket for cleaning. Handling this unit full while inside the tank can cause some spillage. For salt water and brackish tanks, this is of little concern. However, if you use the same care in removal, no shrimp eggs shells will spill into the tank. Great product for the money!

Want Hatch n Feeder - Brine Shrimp Hatchery Discount?

It works just as advertised. The only thing I dislike is how the shrimp swim out. My fish constantly wait at the fish guard gobbling them up. I wish they would have a more constant escape, but it's like in bursts. It should feed them several times a day like it says, but I wish they came out constantly in like a streamline of small quantities instead of just a few large bursts. Also, a lot of dead shells end up in the collection chamber. You also have to leave the air on at all times because if you don't, the shrimp won't get put into the right area to get out, they will try to swim up at the top near the light where they can't get out. So overall, it works as advertised, just with a few little problems. If I had to do it over though, I would just get a cup and do it that way. But it does come with a dropper which is nice.