Algae Production

It is my intention to learn how to produce algae efficiently with the use of an artificial light source. The light source selected for testing is a random selection of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes). LEDs were selected as a light source because of thier efficiency and durability. It is known that red LEDs would be the best selection, but I take what I can get and I can get a random selection fairly cheaply, we may collectively have to take what we can get also, so the test with the random selection my be useful. This light panel, once constructed, will be placed on the long side directed to the interior of a ten gallon aquarium. On the other side of the glass at the bottom is placed an air diffuser the length of the aquarium drivien by a 40 gallon aquarium air pump.

The tank will be filled with a nutrient solution, and seeded with either a Chlorella or Sprulina strain of algae. I intend to use powdered algea from the health food store with the hope that there are some live cells left in the powder. From here it will be a matter of experience. As I can afford to do so I will add instrumentation, valves, meters, heaters, gas cylynders to see how to get the most out of the system. If I can get the nerve up I'll let everyone know how the stuff tastes.

Steve