We are Saving the World
Feeding the Babies (Part 6)
After much research, it became obvious that different Algae need different diets. Green Algae need Nitrogen and Phosphate(s) with some trace elements.
I set up a test to determine the best feeding regime for the local Algae that I had selected.
You can do the same for your Algae.
Essentially you need to do the following.
First when your starter bottles have gone green, you have a variety of local algae growing.
Next create the condition you want to grow. The algae will naturally select and adapt. They are quite resilient.
Expose the bottles to this condition. After a few days the Algae that you want will live the rest will die.
Give some nutrient (See below, 2 ml of the Nitrogen feed and 1 ml of the Phosphate media per 500 ml).
Setting up a test to determine the best mix of nutrients.
Use your original bottle of surviving Algae.
You need some basic equipment. (I can supply these for a nominal price, everything in China is cheap)
1. Dropper.
2. Measuring Pipette. (1 ml & 5 ml)
3. Ph Meter.
4. Chemicals. Ammonia Nitrate & Phosphate(s). You can buy these at a plant nursery.
5. Dilute. 10mg of Ammonia Nitrate into 500 ml of clean water.
6. Dilute 10mg of Phosphate mix into 500 ml water (You have to shake this).
7. Air pump (Aquarium).
8. 10 x 550 ml clear bottles.
Mix 10 ml of the Algae with 500ml water in each of the 10 bottles.
Add 1 Drop of Nitrate Solution to the first bottle (Label your bottles).
Add 2 Drops to the second.
Add 4 to the third.
Keep doubling. You can use the pipette. Calibrate the dropper to the pipette. (Mine is 24 drops to the ml).
Expose all equally to light and air mix of your choosing. (I have some that eat pure CO2)
Each day add the same quantities. Measure the PH. The Ph will rise for the best mix.
Keep notes, make a chart. You can easily find the optimum mix this way and it takes only 3 days.
You may find that there are 2 or three bottles performing well (You can see it by the colour).
You know their mix. Now, start again and the lowest is the first best result, the highest is the Last best result divide the mix into the ten bottles.
Repeat the test, this will provide the exact mix to use.
Repeat this process for the phosphates. Remember to add the optimum Nitrates too.
I feed once a day. You can do more feeds but it is not necessary.
I made Pure CO2 by using a mix of Sugar/Flour Water and Yeast.
You don't need to do this; I am isolating an Algae to directly eat CO2. Pure CO2 is not easy to get, mostly it is a mix of CO2 and Nitrogen. I am experimenting with this too. Air has about 365 ppm (parts per million) of CO2. This seems to be low and is but the normal for the planet is less than 270 ppm. Algae can take it from "Normal" Air but it isn't the most efficient way.
The local variety I have selected I have named "Midnight Magic" Read on and find out why.
I have a feed mix for this and have made a kit to sell. Algae starter an Algae Food. I sell it here for less than $1.00 with enough feed for 1 Year.
Please contact me if you want me to make a formula for your Algae. I now have access to very sophisticated laboratories.
Also contact me if you want to sell kits in your area.
Algae in full Bloom
This project is "not-for-profit". Donations may pay for my out of pocket expenses doing this project. Any left over, I will make more of these. You decide how much. Members List
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Key Words : Save the World, Bio Solar CO2 Absorber, Photo Bio Reactor, DIY, Alternative Energy