Green water nannochloropsis culture cloudy

[ml708]

I set up the culture around 6 days ago, and apparently optimal growth levels are reached from day 8-14. I was told that they require micro algae grow every 10-14 days and have fed them on the day I started the culture.

The thing is, instead of having greener water, my water is starting to appear cloudy instead. Why is this?

 

[_shorty_]

you have a pic?

who's starter cultures you using?

 

[ml708]

Unfortunately its still night where I am and my cultures are outside, it will be hard to take a picture at the moment, but the cloudiness looks something like this.

I'm using Reed Mariculture.

 

[Mo2]

Bacterial bloom.

 

[ml708]

Oh dear, does that mean my culture is a goner?

 

[_shorty_]

I've been told by the experts that you can't judge your culture until at least 10 days into the culture.

I think 'bacterial bloom' was referring to your picture you posted. I doubt you have one in your culture.

What was your method/procedure for preparing your culture vessel and starting the culture? It's possible that any of these could have been contaminated or contaminated the batch. I've been told that Algae Grow is not known for being the cleanest fertilizer either.

 

[_shorty_]

wait... You said Reeds as a parent? - so like Phyoto Feast or something? These phyto feeding products aren't really designed to be starter cultures nor are they usually even mono-cultures. It could have your contaminants to start with. Some people may have luck with them, but it's probably hit and miss.

 

[ml708]

I used the algae on the agar plate specifically designed for culturing. Everything was don't with sterile instruments, water boiled for 7 mins and left to cool etc. my water condition is exactly as shown in the above picture. Phytofeast is what I use to feed my Rotifers, it's not what I use for my culture.

 

[_shorty_]

in that case, make sure you have high air flow and wait at least 10 days. if it's settled on the bottom, swirl it around well to get it suspended again and then up your air. Other than that - it's hard to say. I run a couple cultures but don't have tons of experience.

 

[GreshamH]

I used the algae on the agar plate specifically designed for culturing. Everything was don't with sterile instruments, water boiled for 7 mins and left to cool etc. my water condition is exactly as shown in the above picture. Phytofeast is what I use to feed my Rotifers, it's not what I use for my culture.

Phyto-Feast is a poor product to use to feed rotifers given the blend it is. I suggest using RGcomplete, which is designed especially for hobbyists culturing rotifers.

 

[Ptyochromis]

You have yourself a contaminated culture. Bleach the container and start over. Try boiling your RO (and cooling it) before mixing up the salt. Also, everything that goes into the phyto culture (airline etc) should be sanitized. Bring the culture inside too.

I gave up trying to grow phyto a long time ago, even under the best conditions your culture gets contaminated. UV sterilizing the air going into the culture would prolly help too.

If you are trying to grow rotifers, you need to feed them at least daily depending on the density of your culture. Ideally, you want to keep the water the color of watered down ice tea.

Edit: you can save yourself a lot of headache by just getting algae paste and forego culturing your own phyto.