Macro Algae Jr High Science Project

[jabberwock]

I have a big batch of Red Grape Caulerpa. My kid wants to do a Jr High science project with it. So here are a couple ideas and questions. She wants to base her study on either light, or nutrients. So, start with the hypothesis, weigh out 4 samples of algae. Set them up in four mason jars with a bubbler, using tank water from a water change. Apply different lights, or add different nutrients to each. After a period of time, remove the samples and weigh them again to quantify growth. No test kits can be used. No animals can be used.

My questions are:

1. How much time would we need to show significant growth?
2. What lighting options are there to isolate red, blue, full spectrum, and zero light?
3. Or, what nutrients and how do I add them without using fish or bacterial biome?

Here is a full tank shot to thank you for looking! (ps - sample algae is growing in a smaller separate tank)

 

[Dan_P]

I have a big batch of Red Grape Caulerpa. My kid wants to do a Jr High science project with it. So here are a couple ideas and questions. She wants to base her study on either light, or nutrients. So, start with the hypothesis, weigh out 4 samples of algae. Set them up in four mason jars with a bubbler, using tank water from a water change. Apply different lights, or add different nutrients to each. After a period of time, remove the samples and weigh them again to quantify growth. No test kits can be used. No animals can be used.

My questions are:

1. How much time would we need to show significant growth?
2. What lighting options are there to isolate red, blue, full spectrum, and zero light?
3. Or, what nutrients and how do I add them without using fish or bacterial biome?

Here is a full tank shot to thank you for looking! (ps - sample algae is growing in a smaller separate tank)

Some quick thoughts

You can feed the algae ammonium chloride and phosphate daily. They can consume it very rapidly. In fact you can measure the consumption rate, like ppm/hr, for extra credit. Total ammonia consumption will correlate with algae weight gain.

The green algae will likely grow quickly. Depending on light intensity and scale sensitivity, you can measure change daily. If nothing is happening in a week something is wrong.

Use a strong bubbler to clear the oxygen and keep up a good supply of CO2.

Water changes would be a way to avoid trace element depletion and growth slowing.

 

[jabberwock]

Well not a lot of interest on R2R, but she got an "A"!

 

[Dan_P]

Well not a lot of interest on R2R, but she got an "A"!

Congratulations!!

OK, I need more detail. What was the source of CO2 and can we see the plots and conclusion?

 

[PharmrJohn]

Outstanding! Please pass it in to your girl!! She did a great gob!

 

[AlgaeBarn]

'A' well deserved! Great job!

 

[rhitee93]

Nice I'm sorry I missed this when you first posted. I too would like to see the results section!

Science fair was a huge part of my life when I was a kid. In highschool, my entire year revolved around it.

 

[Subsea]

I have a big batch of Red Grape Caulerpa. My kid wants to do a Jr High science project with it. So here are a couple ideas and questions. She wants to base her study on either light, or nutrients. So, start with the hypothesis, weigh out 4 samples of algae. Set them up in four mason jars with a bubbler, using tank water from a water change. Apply different lights, or add different nutrients to each. After a period of time, remove the samples and weigh them again to quantify growth. No test kits can be used. No animals can be used.

My questions are:

1. How much time would we need to show significant growth?
2. What lighting options are there to isolate red, blue, full spectrum, and zero light?
3. Or, what nutrients and how do I add them without using fish or bacterial biome?

Here is a full tank shot to thank you for looking! (ps - sample algae is growing in a smaller separate tank)

I grow Bortacladia commercially for sale to LFS. It also is a good addition to a fresh ceviche.

When I first started seaweed cultivation, I used Red Ogo, Tang Heaven Red (Gracilaria Parvispora) from IndoPacific SeaFarm in Hawaii. Twenty years ago, I paid $100/lb to get my first start. When I grew Red Ogo, I found I could double its mass every 14 days. Bortacladia is much slower.

Glad for your daughters success.

 

[jabberwock]

Congratulations!!

OK, I need more detail. What was the source of CO2 and can we see the plots and conclusion?

Sure, let me grab some photos to post.

 

[jabberwock]

Nitrate source:

Lights:

Co2 Source. The diffuser worked well:

Quantitative Data:

Charts and Conclusion:

 

[Dan_P]

Nitrate source:

Lights:

Co2 Source. The diffuser worked well:

Quantitative Data:

Charts and Conclusion:

Thank you for the extra information.. The experiment worked well and presentation was very clear.

 

[jabberwock]

I grow Bortacladia commercially for sale to LFS. It also is a good addition to a fresh ceviche.

When I first started seaweed cultivation, I used Red Ogo, Tang Heaven Red (Gracilaria Parvispora) from IndoPacific SeaFarm in Hawaii. Twenty years ago, I paid $100/lb to get my first start. When I grew Red Ogo, I found I could double its mass every 14 days. Bortacladia is much slower.

Glad for your daughters success.

Does the Bortacladia have a flavor or is it just a texture thing?

 

[jabberwock]

Thank you for the extra information.. The experiment worked well and presentation was very clear.

Thanks! Probably helps if both your parents are scientists...

 

[Dan_P]

Thanks! Probably helps if both your parents are scientists...

HaHa, a research advisor can be a big help.

 

[Subsea]

Does the Bortacladia have a flavor or is it just a texture thing?

It’s the texture that I like.

I have removed it from systems; lightly rinsed in fresh water then drizzled with lime & soy sauce.
Bon appetite.