How to Hatch Moina Macrocopa Eggs

Prepare The Necessary Equipment

1. Moina Macrocopa eggs
2. Clear tray or glass jar (0.1 gallons / 0.38 liters) for hatching
3. Aquarium air pump
4. Aquarium air control valve
5. Aquarium thermometer
6. Heat lamp

Recommended Water Sources

1. Tap water is a convenient and commonly used option, as long as it is properly treated to remove chlorine. If your tap water contains chlorine, let it sit for at least 48 hours. Use a strong air pump with an airstone to help the chlorine evaporate more effectively.

2. Aquarium water can also be a good alternative, especially if the tank is healthy. It’s already biologically balanced.

3. Natural water sources may be used, but only if you’re confident the water is clean and free from parasites.

Note:

• Maintain a pH between 6.0 and 9.0 (optimum is around 7.8).
• Do not use any chemicals or water conditioners.

Optimize The Environment

Use a heat lamp above the tray to maintain the water temperature between 77 and 90°F (25–32°C). Put an aquarium thermometer in the tank to monitor the water temperature. If you live in a place with suitable temperature ranges, the heat lamp may not be needed. If the temperature is low, it will take an additional 3 to 5 days for hatching. Hatching place is important. It’s best to hatch indoors to prevent invasive species and keep the temperature stable.

Sunlight is good to increase hatching capacity. Let the tray get soft sunlight all day, and keep the temperature in the ideal range.. Be careful overheating. If sunlight is not available, you can use the lamp instead. However, the eggs can hatch without light, but the hatch rate is usually lower than when light is provided.

The Process of Hatching The Moina Macrocopa Eggs

Fill the tray with water. Open the microtube carefully to sprinkle the eggs into the water.

Add oxygen to the water. In the beginning, set the air control valve to the lowest level so the eggs won’t get stuck on the tray edge and the newly hatched Moina are very small. They can lose control when swimming.

If any eggs stick to the edge of the tray, use a dropper to wash them back onto the water surface.

After sprinkling the eggs into the water, they will hatch within 3–10 days. Look closely. Newly hatched are very small and almost invisible to the human eye for the first few days.

You can use a flashlight in the dark to confirm the hatching. Shine lights on the water surface and watch the shadows move.

After the eggs hatch, pour everything into the culture tank and supply oxygen.

If The Eggs Don’t Hatch

If the eggs do not hatch within 10 days, dry the eggs by pouring them into an aquarium fishnet and wait for 2-3 days. After the eggs dried, start the hatching process again.

When you finish this article, I suggest reading How to Culture Moina Macrocopa.