DIY Sea Monkey Kit: I was always fascinated with these little creatures when I was little. I loved them. But, I didn’t like the little plastic containers they came in. For some reason I never actually thought about putting the sea monkey’s in a different jar… why not? Do these plastic containers have some sort of special power? no. SO, we have the DIY Sea Monkey Kit. I just found a little glass container at the thrift store for $2. So much lovelier.
I started my little sea monkey town back in February. AND, I’m proud to say my monkey’s are still alive. Hee. What are sea monkey’s? Well, they’re little brine shrimp. Or, “Shimp” as Ruari calls them. She enjoys them too and loves to watch them.
What you’ll need:
– A sea monkey kit ( I found the purifier/eggs/food on eBay for $7)
– Small glass container (thrifted $2)
optional:
– If container has lid: hot glue
– Superfine fish tank die-free sand
– Plastic plant
– Straws
Directions:
1. You’ll start with adding about a 1/2 inch or so of sand to the bottom followed by your plastic plant…. add your water and pretty much just follow your Sea Monkey kit directions exactly…. but, it will all be in the new container you purchased.
2. Important: If you’re container comes with a lid…. you’ll need some hot glue to add little stoppers to the lid. You’re little monkey’s will need to breath… so, you need oxygen to get in there.
And, that’s it! You’re done! You’ve made yourself a fun little accessory/science experiment. What’s really great is my kit has stayed surprisingly clean (don’t overfeed…. it will get cloudy).
TIP: If you’ve added sand to your kit… Try not to stir up the sand. I feel this may bury the little eggs and shrimp. No bueno. I use a little straw to lightly blow in some air to add oxygen to the water every couple of days.
PLUS: I had enough materials left over to create another little Sea Monkey Kit. This one was a gift for my friends 4-year-old little boy. He was pretty fascinated by my monkey’s, so I hope he enjoys his own little jar!
Enjoy!
– Chelsey
{Related Posts://Paper Insect Collection//Paper Terrarium//Rainy Day Jar//}
My boyfriend has always wanted sea monkeys but I felt the plastic containers were a little silly for his desk at work. I am so glad I found this, I would have never thought about using a different container!
I LOVED my sea monkeys. They lived for quite a while. Eventually they all passed away, but I really enjoyed them! I think I need more for my studio. <3
This is so great! We got sea monkeys at Christmas and they died after a week. I never thought to use a fun container. I'm super excited to try this again! THanks!
Oh no!
That's so cute! Ruari must love them.
She really does.
Wondering the same thing — any idea on how long they'll live? How neat!
kendall
About 90 days…. but, they will reproduce.
So cute! About how long do they live?
According to the pamphlet… 90 days. I've had mine since mid February. They are starting to disappear a bit. I have about 10.
So cute! Have you named them? Heeehee!
Just one. Her name is Roxana.
This is so adorable. I love it. I never would have thought about the gift aspect. Brilliant!
They are so fun.
What a FABULOUS idea! My daughter would absolutely love this! & so simple! I love the apothecary jar you used too. Thx so much!
Thanks! R loves checking on our shrimp.
Such a cute idea! I never realized they were just little shrimp…I guess I never thought about them that much Will they get bigger?
I guess they can get to half inch.
This is such a cute idea! This would be really neat for the preschool kids I work with.
Great idea for kids at preschool!