If you are growing algae for a science fair project, you could use something the size of a plastic water bottle, or something larger like a small aquarium.
If you are growing microalgae, you should use sterilized salt water. If you want to grow spirulina, use clean fresh water. You can use water from any source, such as tap or spring water, as long as it has been filtered with activated carbon or a ceramic filter. [2] X Research source If you are worried about bacteria, boiling the water before using it will reduce contaminants. [3] X Research source
Using water from a pond or fish tank could introduce other contaminants into the growth medium. You can also mix nutrient solutions. The Walne medium is a nutrient mixture that is suitable for most algae. Measuring the effect of different nutrient solutions could be one way to study algae in a science fair project.
Research your algae to determine what type of grow light is best for growing. Normal grow lights designed for plants are not very effective for certain types of algae. You may need to find a light that gives off primarily red and orange light. [5] X Research source Different types of algae will require different amounts of light, and getting algae too hot (above 35 degrees Celsius, or 95 degrees Fahrenheit) can be lethal to your algae. [6] X Research source
For example, spirulina would be a good choice if you want to grow algae to supplement your diet. Spirogyra plants are sometimes used in science fair projects.
For example, many people are interested in growing a type of algae called spirulina. Because spirulina is often eaten, you should get your sample from a reputable company. If you are growing algae for a classroom experiment, collecting any sample from a local pond or lake is usually sufficient.
Often, a few weeks may pass before you can see the algae in the container. This is because many species of algae (referred to as microalgae) cannot be seen by the naked eye individually. They must reproduce and generate a high algal population to be visible to the human eye. If you are growing a macroalgae species, such as kelp, you will be able to see it.
For example, the strain of algae known as Rhodophyta has a red color. Keep a log of all changes that your algae undergo.
If your algae population becomes too dense, you may have to separate some of it into a new container. Otherwise, the container will be okay as long as you are growing the algae.
This will likely be required if you are growing algae as part of a science experiment for class or work.
