Salt for Brine Shrimp

[Rocketman]

I know Brine Shrimp need salt to hatch. Do I need that instant Ocean salt, or can I use any non-ionized salts?

[Raithan Ellis]

I just use rock salt that we buy for our water softener system, works just fine and good hatch rates. Can't beat it for $3.00 per 50lb bag.

Regards,
Raithan O. Ellis

[OrionGirl]

Any salt will work, even the iodized kinds. There is not enough iodine in any salt safe for human consumption that will cause problems. In order to cause iodine toxicity, you would have to be pickling them. Iodine is actually an additive in most foods--it's a required mineral for pretty much ALL life forms.

As an aside, brine shrimp can be hatched in pure freshwater--there is a bit of a difference in survival rates, but nothing significant.

[beviking]

Yup, any salt. At work we use evaporated salt, the kind with *gasp* yellow prussiate of soda to hatch up to 30 lbs of cysts/day.

[Z Man]

I'm sorry to inform everyone but Yellow Prussiate of Soda in salt is used in such small quantities that the USFDA does not require it be listed on the labels. Some do, but it is not necessary. So they all could have it included. It is so minute that it will not effect the brine shrimp eggs in any way whatsoever.

[beviking]

But if it IS listed, it must be in huge quantities right?

[OrionGirl]

No. Company policy differs--some places list it out of concern about law suits, while others just follow the requirements of the government.