How to Grow Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae, also called cyanobacteria, is a natural part of nature's food chain. The algae grows all over the world. The blue-green algae is a type of bacteria, but behaves more like a plant in that is uses sunlight to grow. Blue-green algae is one of several organisms identified as the oldest. The algae is commonly located in states like Texas, Michigan, Alabama and Georgia and is found in freshwater as well as marine water habitats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Grow blue-green algae in summer or early fall when waters are warm. Algae blooms are less likely to grow in cold winter.

2. Make sure the water is rich in nutrients---nitrogen or phosphorus---and the waters are calm and warm.

3. Watch blue-green algae multiply in abundance in high temperatures and lots of sunlight.

4. Increase your chances of growing blue-green algae by making sure your water is stagnant (no movement) like in a dam or stopped-up river. Slow moving water is good for algae growth.

5. Check out portions of lakes where sediments are churned up after a hurricane. This type of storm-water carries ample amounts of nutrients that blue-green algae thrive on.

Tips & Warnings

• Blue-green algae is most common in Florida because the summer waters are warm and calm.
• Some blue-green algae produces harmful toxins that lead to public health concerns.