Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 3: Creating a growing medium
• Part 2 of 3: Adding an algae sample
• Part 3 of 3: Checking the algae
• Tips
• Warnings

Algae are aquatic plants that grow thanks to the nutrients in the water and the energy of the sun. Many different types of algae are grown and used in many different ways. Algae can serve as a food source or as a biofuel. One of the advantages of growing algae is that it is easy and simple.

To step

Part 1 of 3: Creating a growing medium

1. Choose a suitable container. Choose a container that is clear and transparent. This will allow sunlight to reach the algae. Glass and clear plastic containers are a good choice.
   • If you are growing algae for a science project, you can use something the size of a plastic water bottle or something a little larger, such as a small aquarium.
2. Fill the container with water. The growing medium will mainly consist of sterilized water. Put the water in your clear container.
   • When growing microalgae, use sterilized salt water.
   • Use fresh water when growing spirulina. You can use any kind of water, such as spring water or tap water, but make sure it has been filtered using activated carbon or a ceramic filter.
   • If you are concerned about bacteria, boil the water so that fewer contaminants remain.
3. Add nutrients to the water. In nature, algae coexist with other aquatic life. These creatures keep the underwater ecosystem in balance and provide the algae with sufficient nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates and silicates. Your water bottle will not contain any of these nutrients and micronutrients, such as trace elements and vitamins, unless you add them. You can buy a nutrient solution or take some water from an aquarium or pond to provide these nutrients.
   • Using water from a pond or aquarium can add contaminants to the growing medium.
   • You can also mix nutrient solutions. The Walne medium is a nutrient mixture suitable for most algae.
   • Measuring the effects of different nutrient solutions can be a way to study algae for a scientific project.
4. Find a spot with a lot of sunlight. Before adding the algae you must provide a suitable environment. Look for a windowsill or a spot outside in the sun where you can safely place the container with algae. This will ensure that the sun provides enough energy for the algae to reproduce and thrive in the growing medium. If you have trouble finding such a spot, you can use grow lights instead.
   • Do some research on your algae to determine what kind of lighting is best for their growth. Normal plant grow lights are not very effective for certain types of algae. You may need to find a light that emits mostly red and orange light.
   • Different types of algae will require different amounts of light. When the algae get too hot (above 35 ° C) this can potentially be fatal.

Part 2 of 3: Adding an algae sample

1. Chooses a type of algae. Today it is believed that more than 70,000 different types of algae exist. There are probably still many species that have not yet been classified. These different types of algae are used for a wide variety of applications. Many varieties are used for biofuel production to power electronic components. Other types of algae, such as spirulina, are used as a food source. Sometimes algae are grown in a classroom as a science experiment. You have to decide what kind of algae you will grow in view of the intended use.
   • Spirulina, for example, is a good choice if you want to grow algae to add to your diet.
   • Spirogyra plants are sometimes used in scientific projects.
2. Collect an algae sample. For a standard experiment you can use, grow and observe any kind of algae. If your main focus is on the general behavior of algae, you can simply collect an algae sample from a pond, lake or other natural source. Many different types of algae can be found in nature. If you want a specific species, you have to be more careful about the way you get your hands on a monster. In this case, you will need to purchase a specific algae sample online or an algae starter kit through a specialist company.
   • For example, many people are interested in growing spirulina. Since spirulina is often eaten, get your sample from a reputable company.
   • It is usually sufficient to collect a sample from a local pond or lake when growing algae for a classroom experiment.
3. Add the algae to your growing medium. Once you have chosen an algae to grow, you simply have to put the sample in your growing medium. Make sure there is enough light. Give the algae some time to grow.
   • It often takes a few weeks before you see the algae in your container. This is because many types of algae (microalgae) cannot be seen with the naked eye. They must reproduce and produce a large population of algae before they become visible to the human eye.
   • If you grow some type of macroalgae, such as kelp, you will be able to see this.

Part 3 of 3: Checking the algae

1. Look for color changes in the growing medium. As the algae grow, it will become more and more compact in the container. The denser the algae population becomes, the more opaque the solution will become. Most algae cultures are green, but there are also types of algae with other colors.
   • For example, there is an algae species called rhodophyta that has a red color.
   • Keep a diary of all the changes your algae undergo.
2. Add nutrients as needed. For a short experiment, you will probably only need to add nutrients at the beginning. If you grow algae in the long term, you will have to add nutrients with every new batch of algae. You may also need to add nutrients as the algae population grows. If you are unsure about the amount or need to add nutrients, you should consult an aquaculture specialist.
   • If your algae population becomes too densely populated, you may need to put some in a separate container. In the other case, the container will remain suitable for growing your algae.
3. Use a microscope to take a closer look. If you want to learn more about your algae culture, check it out under a magnifying glass. Putting a little bit of your algae culture under a microscope will reveal a lot that is not visible to the naked eye. In addition, you may be able to find protozoa or other life forms in your culture.
   • This will likely be necessary if you are growing algae as part of a science experiment.

Tips

• If the algae is proliferating, you can give some of it as food for your pets in an aquarium.
• Keeping a diary with photos of the growth of the algae makes an exciting addition to the project.
• Controlling pH and salinity can also optimize growth. The optimal values ​​depend on the type of algae being cultivated.

Warnings

• Do not give this to children as they can swallow it.
• Do not eat the algae unless it is an edible species such as spirulina.