Spirulina is a type of blue-greenalgae that is rich in vitamins and minerals.It grows easily in warm water.Some people grow their own spirulina at home because it can absorb toxins found in the environment.Others like the taste and texture of fresh spirulina.Once you have a few supplies, your colony will take care of itself.
Step 1: Get a tank.
A standard size aquarium is enough for most home growers to grow spirulina.A family of four will get plenty of spirulina from a tank of that size.If you live in a warm climate, you can grow spirulina outdoors.It will be easier to keep the spirulina culture indoors in a small tank.
Step 2: The equipment to gather is harvesting equipment.
A colony of spirulina can look thick, but it is mostly water.You want to squeeze out the excess water once it is ready to eat or use.A fine cloth or mesh is fine for most home growers who want to use a small amount of fresh spirulina at a time.You need a scoop to get the spirulina out of the tank.If you want to harvest larger amounts of spirulina to dry, you should get a larger supply of fine cloth or mesh.
Step 3: Buy minerals to encourage growth.
It is not possible to grow spirulina in plain water.Adding specific minerals is needed to have an optimal colony.You can buy premixed mineral food for spirulina from health and organic stores as well as online.Make sure it contains magnesium sulfate, iron sulfate and Ammonium sulfate.
Step 4: There is a culture of spirulina.
If you want to start your own colony, you need a bit of live spirulina.If you want a spirulina starter kit, ask for it at your local online health food or organic supplies store.A bottle of water is usually enough for a starter culture of spirulina.Buy from trusted sources.Since spirulina can absorb heavy metals and other toxins, you want to make sure the starter supply comes from a safe source.
Step 5: Put your tank in a bright place.
If you can, put your tank near a south-facing window that gets lots of sunshine.Light and warmth are important for the growth of smilberry.Some growers use artificial light in order to get better results.
Step 6: Prepare a medium.
The term "medium" refers to the water in the tank with the mineral "food" added.Add the mineral mix according to the instructions in the package.If you want to use a standard faucet filter for your tank, you can run tap water through it.You should use supplies found at aquarium supply stores to de-chlorinate your water.
Step 7: The temperature of the medium should be checked.
If your tank temperature is above 38C (100.4 F), it is too warm.Make sure your tank has the right temperature for your spirulina by using an aquarium thermometer.It is possible to tolerate lower temperatures without dying, but it is best in warm environments.If your tank is too cold, you can warm it with an aquarium heater, which can be found at a aquarium supply or pet store.
Step 8: The spirulina starter should be added.
It is usually easy to add the starter culture with the exact instructions that come with your bottle of spirulina.You pour half to three-fourths of the bottle into the medium in your tank.
Step 9: You can watch your colony grow.
At first, your colony will be thin, but it will grow over time.Most of the time, you don't have to do anything except let your colony grow.If your colony doesn't seem to be growing well, it's a good idea to test the pH of your tank, which should be around 10 when the spirulina is harvestable.You can find pH test strips at aquarium supply stores or online.
Step 10: The tank should be agitated occasionally.
Oxygen will be needed to thrive.Some growers will use an aquarium pump to make sure they have enough oxygen.You can stir the medium occasionally to help get air into your tank.
Step 11: After 3-6 weeks, harvest your spirulina.
After your spirulina is thriving, you can start consuming it.All you have to do is get some!If you are consuming it fresh, about a spoon of spirulina at a time is enough.
Step 12: You can use a fine cloth to purify your spirulina.
Take the spirulina from your tank and put it on the cloth.If you want to squeeze out the excess water, hold it over a sink or bowl.You will get a thick green paste.You can use this fresh spirulina in a smoothie, top your favorite foods with it, or enjoy it alone.
Step 13: The colony needs to replenish its food.
When you take some spirulina out of your tank, make sure to add a bit of the mineral mixture back in.Add a bit of the medium back in if you tank out on spirulina.