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Culturing Phyto

DYIguy

NJRC Member
This has been dealt with before, but since I stared doing it I learned a few things. You need live phyto and f /2 fertil;izer- the phyto you can get from me or @Yates273 and others here, the fertilizer you can buy on amazon or ebay- you don't need a lot unless you have large tanks, an air pump with some hose a ridged pipe helps, but not necessary, a couple/few bottles and a small grow light and a warm room. buy enough phyto so you can use half for the culture and enough to feed your tank for 2 weeks- I use two1.5 liter bottles, drill 2 holes in the cap- one for the hose, one for air exchange. R/O water mixed with salt to get it around 20. I have the air from the pump at a good bubble- not too slow or like boiling water. I bought an 11w led grow light on amazon an put it in a shop type hanging reflector lamp thing and hung it so it shines sideways into the bottles. when the culture gets dark green I either double it or take half and the double what's left. This is where there is some confusion or difference of opinion. I only use enough fertilizer for what I add to the bottle- some don't add anything- up to you. whenever I double I use a new container and pour it through a net to remove any junk. Whatever isn't in the culture is in the fridge and i shake the bottle daily. @Yates273 feel free to add or correct anything
 
You covered just about everything. One thing I also do is separate my culture when it’s done and fill 2 16 ounce bottles just in case the culture dies or crashes so I have a reserve. The main thing you want to do when done is shake a little daily so nothing settles or it will die. If you do notice the culture starting to yellow it is possible they have consumed the fertilizer and need more. I use 1 ml of F2 fertilizer per liter. It is very easy to culture phyto. At first I made way more than I need now I know how much to make and when to start another culture
 

DYIguy

NJRC Member
I forgot one thing- light on for 18 hrs a day- very simple stuff
 

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DYIguy

NJRC Member
Wow you do 18 hours. I think I have mine only set to 11-12 hours. What strain are you culturing ?
Nannochloropsis, found that it matures a bit quicker with 18 hr days ( and it works with my life cycle lol), but sometimes i get some algae on the bottle- why it's good to switch bottles on a regular basis. For anyone who doesn't live close to either of us, I've bought live phyto on ebay - Deans is one who guarantees that it is live
 

DYIguy

NJRC Member
Questions for those experienced in culturing. I keep my house cool- 60-65, will it affect my culture or do I need to heat it
 
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