FW:  March 9, 2013

(Editor's note: It has been quite a few month's since Rick's report in the LIBERATOR on Chlorella. This is a single-celled green algae which contains 60% balanced protein with 19 amino acids, over 20 vitamins, minerals, enzymes and Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF). It has a higher content of chlorophyll than any known plant, and is also a rich source of beta carotene, B-12 and iron. Rick's last report has generated a mountain of lively questions and other correspondence from you readers. So Rick has here taken to this public forum to address the many intelligent inquiries and questions sent to him. Being an extremely conscientious guy, Rick is as relieved to finally be answering that stack of correspondence as we are delighted to present this discussion.)

One dominant characteristic of the generation in which I was raised is wanting instant results. Since Hatonn's original suggestion of growing chlorella at home in fish tanks, we've been doing a bit of research and experimentation on the subject. Basically, it's slow going and patience is the key ingredient to home algae cultivation.

Hatonn recently advised our local people to not be in the chlorella kit business. This suggestion was made for a number of reasons, which include possible interference by the FDA. However, I will herein share with you the latest I have gathered about both growing chlorella and purchasing same. Please remember, this is only one approach.

For those whose goal is simply to have a supply of chlorella for present of future use, we now have a source for chlorella tablets WITHIN THE UNITED STATES ONLY which we are making available at the lowest unit price possible. I will outline the purchasing specifics later in this article, but first some words on the route of growing your own.

The Carolina Biological Supply Company in North Carolina carries all of the necessary ingredients to grow chlorella at home. Their address is: 2700 York Rd., Burlington, NC 27215 (919) 584-0381. [Update: Use (800) 334-5551 (7am to 8pm, ET, Monday-Friday) or search online at www.carolina.com/help/contact-us . Type "chlorella culture" in the "search" box.]. (Inquire about their shipping rates within the United States). They sell bacteria-free chlorella (catalog #15-2070, $4.75/ea. or $4.63/10 or more) for "experimental purposes only", not as a food source. When ordering from them, keep this in mind.

If you do order a chlorella culture, you'll receive a small glass test tube containing a gel-like growing medium with a small amount of green algae growing on it. When you receive this glass tube, open it and add to it about 1/4" of distilled water and 1/4" of their alga-gro freshwater medium. Then close the tube and place it in bright indirect light (such as a north-facing window) but NOT in direct sun. Every other day open the tube briefly to allow for fresh air. The alga-gro freshwater medium is also available through the Carolina Biological Supply Company (catolog #15-3752 #8.95/qt.). There is also a booklet available titled, Culturing Algae, through the same company, which is technical yet very informative.

Within several weeks the algae volume will grow to a quantity which fills the medium in the tube. When you see that the algae density is increasing, again, add more distilled water and more alga-gro. Within a few weeks you should have sufficient algae in liquid to transfer the entire culture into a small CLEAN glass jar. Add some distilled water and alga-gro in roughly 2/3 to 1/3 ratio. Set to the side while the algae continues to replicate. Again, within a few weeks, transfer the contents to another, perhaps quart sized, container. To arrive at this point will generally take several months. (As I said earlier, patience is the key.) If you elect to use artificial lighting, Cool White florescent bulbs are the best because their spectral output is weighted toward the blue end of the color spectrum. (Not flattering to the complexion, but great for growing algae.)

The final stage of this project will be the transfer of the culture to a CLEAN fish tank. If you are using a tank as large as 10 to 20 gallons, adding 1 quart of alga-gro medium to the tank filled with distilled water should be sufficient. The optimum Fahrenheit temperature for algae production is in the low 70's. An air pump is probably well advised as it provides air and agitation. You will notice that the algae has a tendency to fall to the bottom of whatever container it is growing in. Algae responds favorably to gentle agitation so, if you shake the container on a daily basis, it helps (rather than hinders) growth. Various minerals in the growing medium are made more available to the algae through such agitation. Also note that, as the algae grows, it takes on a fluffy appearance, like cotton.

Hatonn originally suggested cultivating two tanks, one for the "mother" or seed culture and one for daily use.

The drying of algae can present a challenge, since it is single celled and thus too small for most screens. Therefore, using "sun tea" containers (CLEAN glass) with a spout is a very practical option. By this route you may continually add nutrients from the top, keeping the culture largely sealed from outside air and possible algal or fungal contamination, and at the same time you are able to use the spout to pour a glass of "chlorella water". This is just one possibility.

Some frequently asked questions are:

What is the recommended dosage for chlorella?

In a normal diet, when taking dried tablets, 3 grams per day is recommended, say 6 tablets of 500 mg each, such as 3 in the morning and 3 mid-day. If you were to take chlorella on a survival basis, 9 grams daily is a common dose. When taken on a survival basis, it would be prudent to combine your chlorella intake with additional vitamin supplements.

How much do I drink?

To give you an idea about how much algae will grow in a given volume, use a calculation of 15 grams of chlorella per day for every cubic meter (roughly 3 ft. x 3 ft. x 3 ft.). A 20-gallon tank is 24" x 12" x 16". Although it would take up to several quarts per day of liquid chlorella to equal the recommended table dosage, several glasses of liquid per day would be the minimum recommendation.

How do I dry it?

There is no literature available on home drying methods for algae, so this is where experimentation comes in. The chlorella cells are so small they will go through most screens. Various fabrics present one logical avenue for exploration. If you decide to grow chlorella in tanks, it may be best to stick to liquid consumption. The use of heat in drying foods is well documented, however, heat kills enzyme activity.

How do I tell when the chlorella is ready to drink?

The liquid container will eventually become filled with the cotton-like chlorella mass. It is best advised to be patient until the algae has enough density to it so that, when you begin drinking from it, the "recovery" or regrowth time will not take too long.

What tank size should I use for myself? For more than one?

When growing algae, basically, bigger is better. There is no fixed response to this question. I would say, however, that a 6 or 10 gallon tank would be as small as you would want for one person. For more people, multiply the "single person" tank size by the number of people to be served.

What is chlorella's shelf life in dried tablet form?

When stored in a dark, cool, dry place, chlorella's shelf-life is indefinite, for all practical intents and purposes.

What are the noticed advantages of using chlorella as a food supplement on a regular basis?

This, of course, varies from person to person; however, I have found that increased overall energy and a sense of well being are among the benefits. Chlorella contains 60% balanced protein, 19 essential amino acids, over 20 vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and trace nutrients.

How much chlorella would one person need for 1 year, if taken as supplement?

5 bottles of 500 tablets for a tablet size of 500 mg per tablet.

How much chlorella would one person need for 1 year, if taken on a survival basis?

13 bottles of 500 tablets for a tablet size of 500 mg per tablet.

[Note: In consideration of the minimum suggested dosage for 500 mg per tablet of chlorella (above) one should factor in the size/weight of the individual.  For instance, a 200 lb. adult would require 10 times the amount of Chlorella of a 20 lb. baby in order to derive the same benefits. This generally holds true for the consumption of all essential nutrients (minerals, vitamins, amino acids, and fatty acids). Therefore, some additional research may be necessary to determine the minimum chlorella mg dosage intake per body weight for the individual.]

This is the extent to which we will be offering suggestions regarding the growing and obtaining (see order form) of chlorella. If you decide to try growing chlorella at home, do some independent experimenting. If you have any general questions not answered in this discussion, call me at (805) 822-9545 during normal (Pacific time) business hours.  [Note: No longer in business, unfortunately.]

* * * W A R N I N G * * *

Like mushrooms, there are over 30,000 known varieties of algae, many of which, when consumed, are TOXIC. Do NOT go out to the nearby pond or lake in the woods and gather algae for personal consumption. To do so could be a SERIOUS mistake unless you really know what you're doing.

***

Source: THE PHOENIX LIBERATOR, October 6, 1992, Volume 20, Number 12, Pages 36-37.

http://www.phoenixarchives.com/liberator/1992/1092/100692.pdf

Transcribed into HTML format by R. Montana.

 

 

---

 

Comments added by R. Montana / 3-7-2013

Appreciation is again given to Rick Martin for sharing his knowledge of the cultivation and production of Chlorella (reproduced above) which was published in THE PHOENIX LIBERATOR over 20 years ago.  In considering what a power-house of nutrition this microalgae is and the spiraling cost of food lately for personal diet supplementation, the prospect of growing this low-cost protein looks better and better to the "self-sufficiency community".

***

VIEW VIDEOS:

Smart Microfarms - Algae Growing Systems for Home & Backyard http://youtu.be/XZW0NpvxTH8

Note: AlgaeLab.com also sells Algae Growing Systems for the home or backyard.

Family Spirulina Algae Farm in France http://youtu.be/MPrqpxGNF_4

First Commercial Spirulina Farm in California http://youtu.be/DpQgNLAStec