Spirulina

Growing Spirulina

a)  Materials Needed

• Hydroponic Solution A (25ml) and B (25ml)
  
• Non-iodized Table Salt - 10 TBSP (approx 140 grams)
  
• Baking Soda - 10 TBSP (approx 140 grams)
  
• Non-chlorinated Drinking Water - 10 liters
• Aquarium Aerator (Air Pump, Hose, Air Stones)
  
• Transparent or White Plastic Pail that can hold at least 11 liters of Water 
• Spirulina Live Culture - 1 liter
  
• If grown indoor, grow lights
• If grown in non-tropical countries, aquarium water heater that can be adjusted between 30C to 38C
  

b)  Procedure 

1. Pour 5 liters of non-chlorinated water to the transparent/white pail;
2. Pour hydroponic solution A into the water and stir, then wait for 5 minutes;
3. Pour hydroponic solution B into the water and stir, then wait for 5 minutes;
   
4. Add additional 5 liters of non-chlorinated water and stir;
5. Add 10 TBSP of Baking Soda into the water and stir till dissolved;
6. Add 10 TBSP of Non-Iodized Table Salt into the water and stir till dissolve;
7. Add 1 liter of Spirulina Live Culture into the water;
8. Setup the aquarium aerator;
9. Cover the pail with transparent covering (Transparent Plastic Cover or UV Sheet is recommended);
10. Place the pail outside where it can be bathe in the sun for 5 to 7 days.
    

 

c)  Harvesting Spirulina 

1. Using an empty pail, strain (preferably using cheese cloth) the spirulina from the growing pail;
2. Wash the strained spirulina with drinking water till all salts are washed off;
   
3. Squeeze and dry the spirulina in the sun or in a mechanical dryer;
4. Approximately a 10 liter setup should yield 100 grams of spirulina powder;