Apparently maintaining PH is VERY important is this endeavor

In my next post I will detail my apparently failed attempt to isolate Algae using the methods in the previously mentioned instructable - http://www.instructables.com/id/Simple-Algae-Home-CO2-Scrubber-Part-II-Culturing/?ALLSTEPS

Suffice to say that PH was a major factor in the failure. Poor soil with residual weed killer in the dirt, more that later. Improper Miracle Grow media and improper petri dish media.

The last two youtube videos blew me away in that these guys are doing exactly what I am trying to achieve and they show how in 2 simple videos!!!

The first video is for Simple Miracle Grow Isolation Media -   https://youtu.be/avrpX2jlGbU

summary -

 Published on Aug 15, 2013
This is a cheap but effective alternative for creating an isolation medium.
This medium deters bacterial and fungal growth. Keep in mind, this medium
also will deter the growth of some species of algae as it will not provide
the ideal growing habitat.



MiracleGro -  nkp = 24-8-16 + micronutrients


1 tbsp per gallon - appx 9grams Miracle Grow
1 Gallon Filtered Water - dechlorinated

Use PH up - base - appx 8ml potasium Hydroxid - bring to 7.0 Neutral



The second video - How to Isolate Algae - https://youtu.be/AAB6RoO22qg

Published on Aug 15, 2013
This method allows you to isolate different algae species.
The growth medium resists bacteria and fungal growth (yeah).
Keep in mind there are millions of different species of green algae.
While a lot of them have similar requirements this media will not
allow them to all grow. That is, not only will this media prevent
bacteria and fungus from growing it will also stop some of your
algae from growing. That said, it is still a great way to isolate
large diverse populations of algae. You will probably have to repeat
the isolation step as it is unlikely you will get nicely separated
colonies on your first try.


7.5 g agar
500 ml miracle grow separation media

microwave to boiling

pour agar into petri dishes

wait to set - streak algae samples in agar petri dishes

place in window or incubator for 4-7 days to get noticeable growth

separate individual colony into small growth chamber with media.

lighting 14 hours on 10 hours off


should turn green after about 10 to 14 days.

I will still use a large portion of what I learned in the above instructable, but these two videos show how to create the algae growth media out of nothing but miracle grow.

Now for the PH I found at petco - API Freshwater Deluxe pH Test Kit - $8.99 - https://goo.gl/sM4T6D - THIS WILL SAVE A WHOLE WORLD OF HURT not only when testing PH but also adjusting it up and down.






Also from Petco I need a heat source for my incubator - i have a florescent tube for light so I want a low light heat source - going to buy - Zilla Night Black Heat Incandescent Bulb - https://goo.gl/sveDqp



We'll see in the next post my growth media and incubator failures and my proposed implementation  remedies.......