Spirulina is a type of blue-green algae that is rich in nutrients: protein, antioxidants, and a number of vitamins and minerals. These are simple organisms that easily grow in warm water. However, because algae can absorb any toxins in their environment, some people choose to grow their own spirulina at home, in a safe and controlled environment. Others grow their own because they prefer the taste and texture of fresh spirulina. Once you have prepared some of the ingredients, the spirulina colony will develop on its own.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Preparing Materials
Step 1. Prepare the tank
Most home spirulina growers find a standard sized aquarium to be a sufficient place to grow spirulina. A tank of that size will produce enough spirulina for a family of 4 people.
You can grow spirulina in a larger tank or even in a tub or pond outside (if you live in a warm climate). But of course, it is much easier to maintain spirulina cultures in small tanks indoors
Step 2. Prepare equipment for harvesting
Spirulina colonies can look thick, but they are mostly water. Once the spirulina is ready to use, you will need to squeeze out the excess water. Most home growers who want to use a little fresh spirulina every now and then can use a soft cloth or mesh strainer. In addition, you will also need a tool such as a ladle to scoop the spirulina out of the tank.
If you want to harvest and dry larger quantities of spirulina, prepare a fine cloth or larger filter to make it easier to work with
Step 3. Purchase minerals to stimulate algae growth
Growing spirulina in plain water will not produce good colonies. To grow a colony optimally, you must add certain minerals. However, you don't have to be an expert to do this, just buy ready-to-use mineral nutrition mix for spirulina from a health food store, organic grocery store, or on the internet. Make sure the mixture contains:
- Sodium bicarbonate
- magnesium sulfate
- Potassium nitrate
- citric acid
- Salt
- Urea
- Calcium chloride
- Iron sulfate
- Ammonium sulfate
Step 4. Purchase spirulina cultures
To grow your own spirulina colony, you will need some live spirulina to start breeding. Visit your local health food or organic supply store or on the internet and ask about ready-to-grow spirulina cultures.
- Ready-to-plant spirulina cultures are usually in the form of simple bottles containing spirulina algae in the medium (water).
- Buy spirulina cultures only from trusted places. Since spirulina can absorb heavy metals and other toxins, make sure your supply of ready-to-plant spirulina comes from a safe place.
Part 2 of 3: Preparing the Tank
Step 1. Place the tank in a warm and bright place
If possible, place the tank near a south-facing window, which gets plenty of sun. Spirulina algae need lots of light and warmth to grow well.
Some spirulina growers use artificial light, but spirulina will grow better in natural light
Step 2. Prepare the media
Spirulina growers refer to the place where algae grow as "media", when in fact this medium is just plain water in a tank with the addition of nutrients in the form of minerals. Fill the tank with filtered water and add the mineral mixture according to the directions on the package.
- You can use tap water that has been filtered through a standard tap filter (such as the Brita or Pur filter), and drained into the tank.
- If the water is chlorinated, dechlorinate it using equipment you can find at an aquarium store.
Step 3. Check the temperature of the growing medium
Ideally, the tank temperature should be around 35°C. Temperatures above 38 °C are considered too warm. Use an aquarium thermometer to make sure the tank has the right temperature for the spirulina.
- Spirulina can tolerate colder temperatures and will not die, but a warm environment is best.
- If the tank is too cold, you can warm it up with an aquarium heater, which can be purchased at an aquarium supply store or pet store.
Step 4. Add ready-to-plant spirulina
To be sure, follow the directions for use exactly as suggested on the spirulina bottle. However, this step is usually as simple as inserting the ready-to-plant culture into the media. In general, just pour half to three-quarters of the contents of the bottle directly into the media in the tank.
Part 3 of 3: Caring for Spirulina Colonies
Step 1. Monitor the growth of spirulina colonies
Initially, the spirulina colony will appear thin. However, over time, these colonies will thicken and enlarge. Generally, you don't need to do anything to a spirulina colony other than let it grow on its own.
- If the spirulina colonies don't seem to be growing well, check the pH of the water in the tank. The pH level of the water should be around 10 when the spirulina colonies are ready to be harvested. If the pH level is not suitable, you will have to add more mineral nutrients.
- You can buy pH test strips at an aquarium supply store or online.
Step 2. Stir the tank occasionally
Spirulina requires oxygen to thrive. Some growers will use an aquarium pump to ensure an adequate supply of oxygen, but this is not strictly mandatory. To help the air enter the water in the tank, just stir the planting medium from time to time.
Step 3. Harvest the spirulina after about 3-6 weeks
Once the spirulina is thriving, you can start harvesting some of it for consumption. All you have to do is scoop it out. According to most people, a spoonful of spirulina is enough to consume at a time if it is fresh.
Step 4. Strain the spirulina with a fine cloth
Pour the spirulina you scooped out of the tank onto a soft cloth. Hold the cloth over the sink or bowl and gently squeeze out the water. After that, you will get a thick green paste. Use this fresh spirulina in smoothies, as a side dish to your favorite foods, or just consume it straight without any additions.
Step 5. Replenish nutrients for the spirulina colony
Each time you remove some spirulina from the tank, add more or less equal amounts of the mineral mixture to the tank. For example, if you take a tablespoon of spirulina, add about a tablespoon of the mineral back into the tank.
