Algae Innovation
The organisms of the future
Why Algae?
Algae, from microscopic microalgae to macroalgae are some of the most important organisms on Earth. They are a major food source of plankton in the food chain. Marine algae also produce over half the world's oxygen. Algae can even be turned into a biofuel and bioactive compounds for medications. Orr Biologicals posts informational posts about algae. Learn how it can impact you at the bottom of the page!
So you want to learn to grow Spirulina; you value self-sustainability and healthy foods. Learn how to grow spirulina step by step in this simple guide. From setting up your spirulina "farm" to harvesting and maintaining the culture, we cover everything you need to know to successfully grow spirulina at home.
First, gather your supplies.
Spirulina Culture (obtain on retailers or stores that sell cultures)
Ph meter/strip
Clear container (glass, or high quality plastic) [Must be measured in liters, unless you can convert)
MEDIA:
Sodium Bicarbonate add as needed
Food-Grade Urea: 0.5-1 gram
Food-Grade Monopotassium Phosphate: 0.2-0.5 grams
Food-Grade Epsom Salt: 0.2-0.5 grams
Food-Grade Calcium Carbonate: 0.1-0.5 grams
Food-Grade Iron Sulfate: 0.01-0.02 grams
Zinc sulfate: 0.005-0.01 grams (5-10 milligrams)
Manganese sulfate: 0.002-0.005 grams (2-5 milligrams)
Copper sulfate: 0.0005-0.001 grams (0.5-1 milligram)
Sodium molybdate: 0.0005-0.001 grams (0.5-1 milligram)
Boric acid: 0.0005-0.001 grams (0.5-1 milligram)
per liter
EVERYTHING MUST BE FOOD GRADE
First, mix all nutrients in the media and dissolve in 1 liter of non chlorinated water. Then, add baking soda (check with ph meter/strip) until ph is around 9-10. Then, add the Spirulina culture. At first, be sure not to place in direct sunlight, as the cyanobacteria may "burn"; instead, place a breathable cover over the opening of the container. This helps prevent the spirulina from burning when the culture is not dense. Once the culture becomes dense enough (you cant see through it) then you may remove the cover.
As the ph climbs and the culture gets denser, harvest the spirulina with a mesh and use some of the remaining Spirulina to start a new culture (once ph exceeds 11, change water). To maintain, stir the culture regularly to prevent clumping. You can use spirulina as fertilizer, or use the living spirulina culture as filter. Whenever you remove a liter of spirulina, replace 1 liter with replacement media (same as regular grow media)
By growing Spirulina, you may reduce your grocery bill, as it can replace some of the proteins in your diet. You will be growing a sustainably food source.
Disclaimer: Orr Biologicals offer no warranty, guarantee, or prediction of safety if the Spirulina harvested from this guide will be suitable for human or animal consumption.
