Spirulina is a cyanobacterium that can be consumed by humans and animals and is made primarily from two species of cyanobacteria: Arthrospira
platensis and Arthrospira maxima. Arthrospira is cultivated worldwide; used as a dietary supplement as well as a whole food; and is available in
tablet, flake and powder form. It is also used as a feed supplement in the aquaculture, aquarium and poultry industries.
Nutrient and vitamin content Protein Dried spirulina contains about 60% (51–71%) protein. It is a complete protein containing all essential
amino acids, though with reduced amounts of methionine, cysteine and lysine when compared to the proteins of meat, eggs and milk. It is, however,
superior to typical plant protein, such as that from legumes. The U.S. National Library of Medicine stated that spirulina was no better than
milk or meat as a protein source, and was approximately 30 times more expensive per gram. Other nutrients Spirulina's lipid content is about 7% by
weight, and is rich in gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), and also provides alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), linoleic acid (LA), stearidonic acid (SDA),
eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and arachidonic acid (AA). Spirulina contains vitamins B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin),
B3 (nicotinamide), B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folic acid), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin A and vitamin E. It is also a source of potassium, calcium,
chromium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, selenium, sodium and zinc. Spirulina contains many pigments which may be beneficial
and bioavailable, including beta-carotene, zeaxanthin, chlorophyll-a, xanthophyll, echinenone, myxoxanthophyll, canthaxanthin, diatoxanthin,
3'-hydroxyechinenone, beta-cryptoxanthin and oscillaxanthin, plus the phycobiliproteins c-phycocyanin and allophycocyanin.
So I decided to start growing this stuff at home. It would be a cool project for the kids and I, and it seem very beneficial health wise. Also my
local market sells it for like 35 dollars a pound or something ridiculous like that. Also eating it fresh makes it even more beneficial.
I looked up a starter kit on line and this is what i got.
Spirulina Grow kit
Since i dont have three hundred bucks to drop on a brand new kit I figured i would piece it together with stuff i have laying around the house
The kit includes: Detailed, bound instructions, 1 liter bottle of live Spirulina,
high-temperature heater with thermostat,
timer for heater (to keep Spirulina cool at night),
quiet air pump,
3′ of air hose,
15′ of narrow-range pH strips ,
50 micron harvest cloth,
1 bottle of iron juice good for 500L of culture,
2x 10-gallon packs of Starter mix,
1.6 lbs. of Make-up mix (good for about 6 lbs. of algae harvest),
and a very useful special gift,
plus a copy of “Grow Your Own Spirulina Superfood” by NASA algae scientist Dr. Aaron Wolf Baum! Kit does not include a tank.
All I need is...... Make up mix, Starter Mix, Iron Juice , and the Spirulina culture.
My first question about all this is. Have any fellow atsers done this project, if so, is there any info that you can pass on that will save me a
Second, are the nutrient packets all standard, or are the better quality ones out there, like maybe and organic version?
Third, can i just use cheesecloth to harvest?
Fourth, is there a better alternative to Iron Juice that can be used. again, like a healthier version or something?
Fifth, can artificial lighting be used efficiently or will I just be adding dollars to my bill with minimal increased harvest? I do remember reading
that it can be used, but it likes only certain parts of the light spectrum.
I come to the bright minds of ATS with this project, any input is appreciated. I like links, cant run certain vids right now, and if anybody knows
were to find a free source of info on the process of growing and all the specs that would be cool, but im sure if i search around a while I will find
something. Thanks in advance
edit on 31-8-2013 by DocHolidaze because: (no reason given)
edit on 31-8-2013 by DocHolidaze because: (no reason