How to Use Algae Culture Nutrients

What are Algae Culture Nutrients?

Algae Culture Nutrients is a suitable product for anyone culturing freshwater algae. The nutrient mixes we have available allow your algae culture to grow optimally by providing the nutrients and vitamins it needs to thrive.

By using this product for growing your algae you will have good rates of growth. You will also be able to maintain nitrogen concentrations and therefore, a high protein product.

How to Use Algae Culture Nutrients

How much Do You Need?

The good news is that you only need a very minimal amount of these nutrients to reap the benefits. For freshwater cultures, you will need 4ml of nutrients per 1L of chlorine-free water. For marine cultures, you need even less, only 1ml per 1L of chlorine-free water. So, the next question you may have is… ’How much water will I need for the whole culture?’

Algae (phytoplankton) cultures can start out pretty small and grow significantly large, so it really depends on what volume you are aiming at growing. However, it is great to start with a goal of 1L. If you are starting out with our Algae Culture Kits, using the flasks, you will only need a small number of nutrients, which are supplied in the kit. The only reason you would need to purchase extra nutrients is if your culture is thriving and you would like to continue the process!

Which Kind of Algae Nutrients Do You Need?

At Aquatic Live Food we have two different types of algae culture nutrients; Algae Culture Nutrients Plus Vitamins for Freshwater and Algae Culture Nutrients f/2 Plus Vitamins for Marine. As the names suggest, one is for freshwater and the other for marine, so it’s an easy choice when adding to your cart. Plus, both of these products come with added vitamins included in part A.

How long do they last?

The good news is…it is definitely possible to store nutrients for a significant amount of time. This means, if you are culturing regularly, you are able to always have some nutrients on hand, either in the fridge or freezer.

• Freezer Life: If frozen at -20 degrees Celsius, our culture nutrients will last up to 12 months.
• Fridge Life: If kept in the fridge, they will last for up to 6 months.

Contamination of the culture is the most significant concern when trying to store them long-term. To avoid contamination of the culture, wear gloves while handling the nutrients and be sure to spray the gloves with 70% isopropyl alcohol beforehand. This will ensure the gloves are also sterile.

How to store:

If you are intending to use the nutrients while storing them, it is ideal to keep them in the fridge. However, if you need the nutrients to last for a longer period of time, the freezer is a better option as they will last up to 12 months.

Tips on using algae culture nutrients:

• The Algae Culture Nutrients Plus Vitamins for Freshwater comes in three parts: A, B and C. Only mix the components of the algae culture nutrients when you are about to use them. DO NOT premix and store as this will significantly reduce its shelf life. KEEP in the freezer until ready to mix. Freeze at – 4 ͨ or for longer periods at – 20 ͨ.
• If you have an alga that contains diatoms then you will need to add Sodium Metasilicate Solution to the f/2 culture media.