Required Inputs to Grow Algae

Light

• Algae requires light to photosynthesize and convert sunlight into cellular energy. So long as a water source is exposed to light, algae can photosynthesize. Different species of algae prefer different colored light. For example, coralline algae prefers blue light to white light. Algae tends to grow faster and denser in abundant light.

Water

• Algae grows in fresh water, brackish water and salt water. Without ample water, algae dies.

Air

• Air must be introduced into the water containing the algae colony to aerate the water and increase the quantity of dissolved oxygen. Oxygenated water is necessary for many aquatic forms of life. When the levels of dissolved oxygen drop too low, a source of water may experience a massive die-off of all forms of life. Natural sources of water tend to have adequate levels of dissolved oxygen, but aquariums and similar unnatural bodies of water require air to be bubbled through it to maintain life.

Nutrients

• Algae thrive in environments high in dissolved nitrates and phosphates. Since these are common ingredients in plant foods, algae tends to grow in agricultural run-offs and hydroponic containers.