How to Make Algae in a Week

Many biology students opt to grow algae as part of a science project. Algae is an easy-to-grow micro-organism that can be easily studied by students of all ages, including homeschoolers. It can also serve as an exhibit for a science fair project. There are a few keys to growing algae in a week. It's important to use water with a high organic content, as this facilitates rapid algae growth. Fertilizer is also vital because it fuels the algae bloom. River rocks provide additional surface area for the algae to grow on and will capture heat, thereby regulating the water temperature.

Things You'll Need

• Large fish bowl or small fish tank
• Reptile heating pad
• River rocks
• Pond water
• Algae sample
• Plant fertilizer
• Sunlight

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Affix a reptile heating pad to the bottom of a large fish bowl or small fish tank. Set the heating pad to "low."

   • 2

     Cover the entire bottom of the fish bowl or tank with river rocks.

   • 3

     Fill the container with pond water and place it in a location that will receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day.

   • 4

     Add an algae sample to the water to "seed" the algae bloom.

   • 5

     Add one teaspoon of general purpose plant fertilizer for every gallon of water.

   • 6

     Allow the tank or fish bowl to sit undisturbed for a week. Algae will become visible within about 3 days and you should see significant growth by 1 week.