Billabong Bugs® is an educational triops kit that has a large prehistoric brachiopod in it.The Billabong Bugs kits contain the eggs of a native Australian species.The eggs of the North American and European species T cancriformis are contained in the other kits.In parts of Australia, the term 'Billabong Bugs' is used to refer to creatures that appear in puddles after heavy rains.It's important to note that Triops don't bite, so they're referred to as 'Shield Shrimp' or 'toe bitters'.
Step 1: The design of the Billabong Bugs kit is different from other Triops kits.
To get the best value from the product, it is recommended that you read all instructions carefully before setting them up.hatchlings are guaranteed when all instructions are followed.In order to sustain the hatch-lings during their first few days of life, special microscopic foods, nutrients and sand are premixed with the egg mixture or "Bug dust" sachet.It's important to have a specific volume of hatch water to prevent pollution when too much water is added.A specially designed water conditioner is used to protect the Triops from injury or shock after a sudden change of temperature or pH.When water changes are carried out without this protection, it can be disappointing.
Step 2: Make sure that the container you choose is clean and can hold three liters of water.
Step 3: Make sure that it is free from soap scum.
Triops can be harmed by cleaning products.
Step 4: You can empty the entire contents into the aquarium by opening the labelled Magic Bug Dust.
Step 5: 3 liters of demineralised water is enough to fill your tank.
Triops like to know the type of water they live in.Not even from a rain-water tank.There are substances in the tap water that can be harmful to Triops.Most major supermarkets have demineralized water which is used for ironing and topping up car batteries.
Step 6: Different methods are used for the production of distilled and demineralized water.
There is a higher failure rate with distilled water.Baby Triops can be harmed by not enough mineral content andbacteria that are usually harmless to humans.
Step 7: Add a scoop of the bugditioner in the water with the kit.
Step 8: Attach the thermometer to your container.
Attach your container with the backing strip from your thermometer.If you want to get an accurate reading of the water temperature and not the air temperature above it, you need to place the Thermometer below the Water Level.If you want the water's surface to be close to the light bulb, place your container near it.For the next few hours, keep an eye on the temperature.The light should be moved a little further away if the temperature goes up to 29oC.The light should be moved closer to the water's surface if the temperature is still below 22oC after a few hours.Try placing the tank in a cooler or warmer part of the house.It is important to maintain the temperature because Triops may not hatch out or be able to survive outside of these recommended temperatures.
Step 9: Before disturbing again, leave your container under the lamp for at least 12 to 24 hours.
Make sure your container is in a place that won't be knocked over during this time.The lamp needs to be on all the time to keep the temperature constant.
Step 10: The amount of food Triops are fed will vary over the first few days.
The baby triops will be hatched for the first 3 days.A baby food is premixed with Magic BugDust.If you add more food to the tank at this time, it will encourage harmfulbacteria that could kill your baby Triops by consuming all the oxygen in the water.
Step 11: On the morning of day three, feed one pellet of food by holding the pellet under the water and rolling it between thumb and forefinger until it has dissolved into a fine smokey cloud.
Remember, soap and chemicals are poisonous to Triops so make sure your hands are clean and free of soapy residues, cosmetics, hand creams, hair products, perfumes, dirt, grease and other things when feeding your Bugs.
Step 12: As per day three, one pellet of food is dissolved on day four.
Step 13: One pellet of food can be dissolved on the fifth day.
Step 14: As per day five, on day six repeat.
Step 15: On the seventh day, count the hatch-lings that are in the tank and place a food pellet in each of them.
As the Triops are strong enough to find and eat the pellets, you no longer need to dissolve them.
Step 16: 1/3 of the water is in the tank.
The best way to do this is to stir the water.If you do a water change every now and then, you can use a tea strainer or fine netted colander to pour the water through.You can use a plastic cup to scoop the water out.
Step 17: Place a level scoop of Bugditioner into the water.
Step 18: Gradually, you should add water to the tank.
Adding one cup of demineralised water that is the same temperature as the water in the tank every ten minutes is a good way to do this.The Bugs can acclimatise to the new water.
Step 19: Bugs may need more food than just one pellet per day.
If the Triops have eaten all of the pellets in the tank, more can be added.As they grow to their largest size, you may be feeding them up to four times a day.If you add more food before the last pellet has been eaten, you will ruin the tank.When your Bugs are hungry, they will start to eat each other, so be aware that underfeeding you Triops could lead to cannibalism.
Step 20: Your Bugs may enjoy some variety in their diet, so why not give them some of these treats.
If you choose to give your Bugs, make sure they are washed thoroughly to make them free from pesticides or other chemicals.If you want to avoid pollution of the water, don't give any more special treats until the first amount is gone.Remove any leftovers from the tank if your Bugs don't finish it in a few hours.