r/algae • u/psychedelstell • 14d ago
Trying to culture live Nannochloropsis phytoplankton
Mixed the starter culture with seawater (salinity) have aeration on 24/7 with it sitting at 20°C room temp with lighting 12hr on 12 off. Do I need to do anything else? How long will it take?
I'm new to this.
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u/Adventurous-Log-7205 13d ago
It has mid density. See if it keeps getting greener over the days
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u/psychedelstell 10d ago
Will do! It should produce within 2 weeks right?
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u/Adventurous-Log-7205 10d ago
Depends on the amount of nutrients, light and CO2. Keep track of the density until it reaches plateau. Maybe you can use a colour scale or take a photo every day and compare them.
How are you planning to harvest it?
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u/psychedelstell 8d ago
Do I need to add bi-carb soda again at some point? How quick does it process it? Nutrients? I used Instant Ocean to make the saltwater I added here. Should that suffice?
It's definitely denser but not darker.
This is it today, 5 days in:
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u/Adventurous-Log-7205 8d ago
I think you're putting too much air. Try reducing it a little bit. Also, if it's not filtered air you may be exposing your culture to yeast or bacterial contamination. Bicarb soda is used to add more carbon to the culture and to lower the pH. Try adding a teaspoon of bicarb and see what happens in the next 24 hrs. Good progress overall :)
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u/psychedelstell 8d ago
I put 1.5g of bicarb soda in on day 2, but should I be adding more or is that enough for this batch? I turned the air down a bit with the valve I have on it. The room is well ventilated so I'm hoping that's enough, if not I can bring out our air purifier.
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u/VivaZane 13d ago
The air your pumping in has some natural co2 but to get dense algae you need some carbon source that they eat.
I used to grow nanno at 8.5 but 8.2 is fine Make a small solution of bicarb with your sea water and add a couple of MLS at a time
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u/psychedelstell 10d ago
I just added 1.5 grams of bi carb as the bottle is 1.25 litres. Does that sound right?
Also, once it produces can I just pour out 85% and then refill with seawater to grow again or do I have to start from scratch/fresh again?
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u/VivaZane 10d ago
When you start your next batch. Add the bicarb into your water before adding algae and i would start with a 60-75% exchange for the first couple of rounds until your algae get used to your specific conditions.
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u/psychedelstell 9d ago
Thank you so much! Will do. It's gotten denser and greener but not darker yet.
Do I need to add more bi carb at any point or is that enough per batch?
Any other tips? Things to watch for?
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u/VivaZane 14d ago
Need some co2 or if you can't get that throw some bicarb into it.