7.
The alga in the reactor
-
We recommend the wire alga
Chaetomorpha sp
. for use in the algae reactor.
-
The optimal light intensity and flow rate depends strongly on the size of the tank,
the nutrient load and the resulting plant growth.
-
Dim the light initially. Over a period of 1-2 weeks, the light intensity can be slowly
increased until growth of the algae is observed.
-
If excessive growth of undesirable organisms (diatoms, cyanobacteria) is observed,
the light level should be reduced and the flow rate increased.
-
If parts of the alga die (bleach or similar), the amount of light should be reduced and
the flow rate increased.
-
The algae used should be at least the size of a fist.
-
The flow rate should be selected so that the alga rotates slowly and evenly around
the lamp. For the wire algae
Chaetomorpha sp
. we recommend a minimum flow rate
of approx. 1000L/h. The flow rate may need to be adjusted as the algae biomass
grows.
-
Growth conditions for Chaetomorpha:
Recommenden range
Optimum
Temperature [°C]
15-30
30
Salinity [ppt]
20-45
25
Nitrate [mg/L]
20-100
50
Phosphate [mg/L]
0.5-5
3
Luminosity [lx]
300-7000
4000
