Q&A for How to Grow Bioluminescent Algae at Home

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How long will it take me to grow the algae at home?

Community Answer

The algae would come to you alive already. If you are asking how long until they start to luminesce, that is usually within a day or two of the proper conditions. If the question is when will they divide so you have more, it depends on the species, but it is usually one to two weeks.

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How can I get them to reproduce so I can keep them continuously?

Community Answer

Feed them purchased nutrient solution, fresh saltwater from sea salt and give them light, and they will multiply and grow.

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Question

Can I dump bioluminescent algae into my swimming pool to make the water and sides glow at night?

Pierre Peens

Community Answer

Your pool water will most certainly kill the algae - which is the sole purpose of chlorine/salt chlorinated pools. You're able to grow the algae on a large scale but in a super-controlled environment. A swimming pool is open to all weather conditions, including very high and low temperatures. Your pool pump and filter also will kill the algae.

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Question

How long does it take to grow?

Community Answer

Growth rate depends two things: 1.) The breed of algae, and 2.) How well the growing process is done. If done correctly, with the average breed of algae, you can expect maybe up to 5 or 6 days. Once it is grown, keep splitting the algae into different habitats to keep them alive for as long as possible.

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Question

Is there a way to keep bioluminescent algae alive for a long time?

Community Answer

Buy algae culture medium, which includes the vitamins and food it needs to survive, such as phosphate, trace metals, etc. It can be bought at biological supply companies.

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What do you mean by "dinoflagellates usually expire after this period"?

Community Answer

It means they die.

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Question

Do the algae need to be fed?

Community Answer

Yes, you can supply them agar nutrition solution to keep them alive; 1.2 grams and 60 milliliters of water per Petri dish.

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Can I put bioluminescent algae with Eastern box turtles?

Community Answer

No. The algae requires a saltwater environment and box turtles are a freshwater turtle. Mixing would do harm to both species.

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Question

Where it is mostly found?

Community Answer

Bioluminescent algae is most commonly found on the shores of southeast beaches or in secluded lakes where predator numbers are limited.

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Question

At what temperature do they begin to die?

Community Answer

Between 20 and 25 degreesCelsius (65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit).

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What type of fish are found living near bioluminescent algae?

Community Answer

Mostly dragon fish and angler fish, so that they can mimic the algae and get their prey right away.

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