Algae are aquatic plants that can be grown using nutrients in water and energy from sunlight. There are many species of algae that are grown and have many benefits in life. Various species of algae can be grown to produce a variety of things, from a food source to a biodiesel source for trucks. One of the advantages of growing algae is that the process is easy and simple.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Creating Growth Media
Step 1. Select the container
Instead, choose a clear and transparent container. Thus, sunlight can reach the algae. Clear plastic and glass containers are some good choices.
If you're growing algae to fulfill a science assignment, try using a container the size of a plastic water bottle or a larger container such as a small aquarium
Step 2. Fill the container with water
The main constituent of the algae growth medium is sterile water. Put sterile water into a clear container.
- If you are growing microalgae, we recommend using sterile brine.
- If you want to grow Spirulina, use clean fresh water. You can take water from anywhere, for example from a faucet or spring as long as it has been filtered using activated carbon or a ceramic filter.
- If you're concerned about bacteria, boil the water before use to reduce the contaminants.
Step 3. Add nutrients to the water
Naturally, algae live together with other aquatic creatures. These creatures can balance the underwater ecosystem while providing many nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and silicates for algae. The bottled water you use lacks nutrients and micronutrients such as metals and vitamins unless given to it. You can buy an over-the-counter nutrient solution or take a small amount of water from an aquarium tank or pond as a nutrient source.
- Water from ponds or aquariums can carry other contaminants into the growth medium.
- You can also mix the nutrient solution. Medium Walne is a nutrient mix suitable for most algae.
- Measuring the effect of using different nutrient solutions on algae growth can be a topic of scientific experimentation.
Step 4. Find a place that gets a lot of sun
Before adding algae, make sure to determine the right environment first. Look for a window or a place where the sun is outside and it is safe to place the algae container. Sunlight will provide the necessary energy in the reproduction and growth of algae in the growth medium. If you're having trouble finding such a location, try using a growth lamp instead.
- Research algae species to determine the type of light that is best for growth. Normal growth lamps designed for plants are not effective enough for certain types of algae. You may also need to find out which lamp emits the most red and orange light.
- Different types of algae require different lighting. Also, making the algae temperature rise too high (more than 35 degrees Celsius) can kill the plant.
Part 2 of 3: Inserting Algae Samples
Step 1. Choose a type of algae
To date, it is estimated that there are 70,000 species of algae. In addition, there may still be many species of algae that have not been classified. Various types of algae are used in various ways. There are many species of algae that are used to produce biodiesel as a source of electricity. Meanwhile, other types of algae such as Spirulina are used as a food source. Sometimes, algae are also grown in schools in science experiments. Your goals for growing algae will determine the type of algae you should choose.
- For example, Spirulina can be a good choice if you want to grow algae that produces dietary supplements.
- The Spirogyra plant is sometimes used in scientific experiments.
Step 2. Collect algae samples
For a basic experiment, you can use a sample of any algae, then grow it and observe it. If your goal is to observe the general behavior of algae, you may want to sample algae from any lake, pond, or natural source as there are many different types of algae found in nature. However, if you want to research a particular type of algae, it's a good idea to be more careful where you take your samples. In this case, it's a good idea to order the specific type of algae or starter culture from an algaculture company or online.
- For example, there are many people who are interested in growing a type of algae called Spirulina. Since this algae is edible, it's best to buy a sample from a trusted company.
- If you are growing algae for a scientific experiment, simply taking a sample from a pond or lake is usually sufficient.
Step 3. Put the algae into the growth medium
After selecting the type of algae, simply put the sample in the growth medium. Make sure there is adequate light. After that, let the algae grow.
- Often, you will have to wait a few weeks before you can see the algae in the container. This is because some types of algae (micro algae) cannot be seen individually with the naked eye. Algae like this must reproduce and produce high algae populations before they can finally be seen by the human eye.
- If you're growing a macro-algae species, such as kelp, you should be able to see it.
Part 3 of 3: Monitoring Algae
Step 1. Observe the color change in the growth medium
As the algae grows, the inside of the container will become denser. The denser the algae population, the cloudier the growth medium solution. Most algae cultures are green, but there are different types of algae that have different colors.
- For example, a strain of algae called Rhodophyta is red.
- Record all changes the algae undergoes.
Step 2. Add nutrients if necessary
For a short trial, you may only need to provide nutrients at the start. However, if you're growing algae over the long term, you'll need to add nutrients when you introduce a new group of algae. You may also need to add nutrients as the algae population grows. If you are unsure about when or how much to add nutrients, consult an algaculture expert.
If the algae population is too dense, you may have to move some to a new container. Alternatively, you can also use the same container for growing algae
Step 3. Take a closer look with a microscope
If you want to learn more about algae culture, look under the magnifying glass. Putting a drop of an algae culture under a microscope allows you to observe it much further than you can see with the naked eye. In addition to algae, you may even be able to find protozoa or other creatures in the culture.
This step may be necessary if algae are grown in scientific or work experiments
Tips
- If there is too much algae growth, you can give some to the fish in the tank.
- Taking photos of algae growth can be a fun addition to the experiment.
- Controlling pH and salinity can also optimize algae growth. Optimal pH and salinity levels are determined by the type of algae being grown.
Warning
- Do not give algae to children so that they are not swallowed.
- Do not ingest algae except for edible species of algae such as Spirulina.
