/r/algae

Photograph via snooOG

Oh god, they're so pretty. And small. Mmm. Algae.


The Algae Reddit

Algae - a very large and diverse group of eukaryotic organisms, ranging from unicellular genera such as Chlorella and the diatoms to multicellular forms such as the giant kelp, a large brown alga that may grow up to 50 meters in length. Most are autotrophic and lack many of the distinct cell and tissue types found in land plants such as stomata, xylem and phloem. The largest and most complex marine algae are called seaweeds, while the most complex freshwater forms are the Charophyta, a division of algae that includes Spirogyra and the stoneworts.

There is no generally accepted definition of algae. One definition is that algae "have chlorophyll as their primary photosynthetic pigment and lack a sterile covering of cells around their reproductive cells". Other authors exclude all prokaryotes[4] and thus do not consider cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) as algae.

Wikipedia: algae


Related Reddits


/r/algae

3,081 Subscribers

2

Anyone have an idea what this algae might be? Or if it even is algae?

14 Comments
2024/03/24
12:54 UTC

1

Can anyone ID the algae growing in my water feature?

9 Comments
2024/03/18
17:18 UTC

6

Conjugation?

Hi there. I am wondering if anyone can tell me what is happening in this picture. These two algae look like conjugating a bit but they are probably not the same species. Or maybe they are and the darker one is just infested with something? It grows some short tentacle-like thingies at its end.

0 Comments
2024/03/13
10:38 UTC

5

Balloon structure

Hello. What is this balloon-looking structure growing from or attached to this filamentous algae?

3 Comments
2024/03/13
10:35 UTC

16

Just wanting to share this beautiful Volvox sp. I found.

Location: Rio de La Plata, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

1 Comment
2024/03/13
05:32 UTC

2

Help identify this Algae(maybe?)

This is in Mill Creek in Dexter MI all over the rocks. Is it Didymo? Thanks in advance!

3 Comments
2024/03/12
20:57 UTC

1

Any ID help?

400x zoom, Mississippi River backwater, total length of 111.37um

3 Comments
2024/03/11
16:43 UTC

2

Is anyone here involved with industrial scale microalgae cultivation?

I would like to talk to some folks about perceived issues in open autotrophic systems -- things like light penetration, photoinhibition, their technoeconomic impacts, etc.

1 Comment
2024/03/11
15:39 UTC

5

ID request!

Anyone can help me identify this diatom?

7 Comments
2024/03/10
14:26 UTC

1

Does anyone sell Raw Living Chlorella?

Does anyone sell Raw Living Chlorella or any other forms or “Raw Living” Algae?

Also, this site (https://www.rawlivingspirulina.com/faq-support-center/) claims that Raw Living Spirulina is a little bit better nutritionally than Raw Living Chlorella. However, i’ve read online that supposedly Chlorella is slightly better nutritionally and Spirulina is only better in the protein category or something. Which is the truth?

They also claim on the site that powder and pill form of Algae is only 2-3% bioavailable in comparison to Living Algae, which would be over 95% bioavailable. Is the difference really that significant? Wouldn’t this make the powder and pill forms almost pointless to purchase as well as dried seaweeds?

https://www.rawlivingspirulina.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-raw-living-spirulina-and-raw-powdered-spirulina/

3 Comments
2024/03/07
21:25 UTC

7

Chia seed algae?

What are these green grain-like algae? If they even are algae, that is. We have some large plastic tanks sitting out with water in the sun and there's just this layer of green dots floating on it.

(I find it incredibly stupid that you can only post one picture because I would have provided more for a better idea. What is even the point?)

1 Comment
2024/03/07
18:50 UTC

3

Photobioreactor

Hi everyone,

I'm recreating a small photobioreactor ( Raspberry Pi based Photobioreactor (youtube.com) ) to monitor the growth of microalgae. Due the the nature of ordering parts, I'm going to end up with enough to build a few of these.

If anyone is interested in making one of these, reach out as I will have quite a few extra parts.

Cheers!

4 Comments
2024/03/05
20:39 UTC

7

What are these red dangly things

1 Comment
2024/02/28
16:25 UTC

0

NPK medium sufficient for chlorella growth?

Along with a light source and co2 will a NPK solution be sufficient for chlorella growth? And if a simple NPK is not a sufficient growing media for chlorella what would be an easily obtained inexpensive source?

5 Comments
2024/02/28
15:13 UTC

4

ID request

Looking for some ID help on this blob with the beans inside of it. I know it isn't the best quality photo, but any help would be fantastic. It is about 14um long

4 Comments
2024/02/26
19:26 UTC

4

ID help? Anyone know what is this growing on the leaves in my aquarium?

Could anyone assist in identifying these white-ish dots? I don't know if it's algae, but is looks like it. Grew on the glass as well.

8 Comments
2024/02/26
01:55 UTC

5

Identification of growth in salt dams, algae?

Good day all, sucks that I can only send 1 picture, anyhow I'll explain what it looks like dissected.

Cutting into it reveals a gelatinous inside, similar to a trifle, it starts as a dark green that then shades into a red that then morfs into a brown(all within the span of a cm) then it morphs into green through to its stem(between 5-8 cm thick), I say stem because it looks like what I cut off was the stem, last biology class I did was in grade 9 so I'm clueless here😂

It's environment is one the final salt evaporation dams, but it doesn't extend into the last dam (I read recently that halophiles/halophytes can't stand salt water that hits near 30%+ salinity so I imagine this is why)these last dams do tend to be between 25-60% saline before we put them into the pans(depends on which line of dams we are talking about)

Now you ask why I want to know? Well it seems to be that these growths are slowing our evaporation in these dams(providing shade for water underneath) what I am trying to find out is if they have any purposes beyond cooling these dams down? if I could sustainably cultivate and harvest this I would rather do that then the other option being diverting the water to other dams, sun baking the dams in question and then scraping them clean, if you need another picture or 2 just ask, thx

1 Comment
2024/02/19
05:48 UTC

3

algae cross contamination.

I am culturing nannochloropsis and a random fresh water algae in identical bottles with a led plant light and an airline in both bottles, a very basic set up to feed brine shrimp.

The bottles are next to each other, although I make sure I use separate equipment for each culture, is it likely one of the cultures could contaminate the other one?

2 Comments
2024/02/18
14:17 UTC

2

Seeking Advice on Fermentation of Macroalgae for Bachelor's Thesis

Hi everyone,

I'm currently working on my bachelor's thesis focusing on the fermentation of macroalgae and biogas production, and I'd greatly appreciate some guidance on a few specific aspects of my research. Here are the key points I'm seeking advice on:

  1. Theoretical Framework: I'm in the process of conducting a theoretical overview of macroalgae fermentation. Can anyone recommend essential literature or provide insights into fundamental concepts and methodologies related to this topic?
  2. Review of Prior Work: I'm interested in understanding previous studies on macroalgae fermentation, including methodologies employed and potential research gaps. Any suggestions on how to approach this review effectively?
  3. Measurement Methods: I'm looking for recommendations on reliable methods for measuring key parameters during macroalgae fermentation. Any suggestions or experiences with specific techniques would be incredibly helpful.
  4. Utilization of Enzymes and Bacterial Strains: I'm exploring the potential use of enzymes from sea urchins and bacterial strains from the gut in my fermentation process. Can anyone point me towards relevant studies or provide advice on isolating and utilizing these components effectively?
  5. Materials and Methods: What are the typical materials, media, bacteria strains, and enzymes used in macroalgae fermentation? Any insights or recommendations on selecting appropriate materials for my experiments?
  6. Industrial Fermentation Techniques: I'm curious about the methods employed by biogas producers in fermenting organic matter. Are there any parallels or lessons learned from their processes that could be applied to fermenting macroalgae?

When it comes to my pre-existing knowledge there isn't alot to go on, therefore i come to you for some advice and learning. Any advice, resources, or personal experiences related to these topics would be immensely valuable to me as I progress with my thesis. Thank you in advance for your help!

0 Comments
2024/02/14
14:34 UTC

2

CO2 Sequester Rate

I’m currently working on trying to plan out the required volume for a system, but I’m running into an information bottleneck.

I’m looking at designing/building a closed system with a Cyanobacteria colony to offset the CO2 put off by the occupant(s). From what I can find, something along the lines of azollae or spirulina would work, but I can’t find how sequester rates compare to that of typical adult human respiration.

If anyone knows of specific studies that would be a good reference I would appreciate being pointed in the right direction.

Thanks

3 Comments
2024/02/14
04:29 UTC

1

Digital version Handbook of Phycological Methods (Stein, 1973)

This may be a long shot, but might anyone know how to get a free version of this book?

0 Comments
2024/02/13
04:26 UTC

3

ID REQUEST!!

6 Comments
2024/02/12
09:03 UTC

1

What can I use as an algae fertiliser that's not expensive?

I am trying to grow algae in a small bottle of salt water.

The purpose is to create a live food source for my sea monkeys.

I am following the instructions in this video:

https://youtu.be/gTRl8cu7jlc?si=G_xO5FOFYTqe1yMr&t=234

At 3:54, he shows the food source. But you need both bottles and they cost $20 each.

Is there something similar I could use that's cheap? I noticed there's also seachem flourish, but it's not specific to algae but it has some of similar nutrients.

1 Comment
2024/02/10
01:39 UTC

1

ID Request!

Hello! I have been trying to identify this algae for a couple months. It is freshwater, in my aquarium. At large, it is bright to dark green, and filamentous. Further, I think there may be two different species in here? There are the really long cylindrical cells, but there are also some significantly smaller connected rectangular cells?

If more photos would be helpful, please let me know!

3 Comments
2024/02/08
23:37 UTC

1

Question

I’m currently culturing chlorella vulgaris for a home experiment on growth rate for my biology class in highschool. I’m using a disinfected container with distilled water which I put culture salts and growth medium (f/2) but I only bought enough for around 500 ml of water but I’m using 2500 ml of water. Will this be a problem or do I need more nutrients?

6 Comments
2024/02/08
00:50 UTC

5

ID for stringy green algae on Northern California coast?

Can anyone with expertise in marine algae help me ID this multicellular green specimen from San Gregorio State Beach (San Mateo County), California, USA? It was growing on a coastal cliff slightly below the high tide mark. To the naked eye it looks like green strings, but under a microscope the strings resolve into 3D multicellular structures with about 40 cells around the diameter of the "string." Plant ID apps are useless when it comes to algae, so I'm turning to random Internet strangers!

In the wild, just below high tide:

https://preview.redd.it/2x19qwudn8hc1.jpg?width=1920&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d57e6f439554897cfa0d9f457f4a242db140bf30

In the laboratory, under the dissecting scope at 45x total magnification:

https://preview.redd.it/8gyhvd5fn8hc1.jpg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b608e25da7804ff8beec744968a0774ae7c6f920

In the laboratory, under the compound scope at 400x total magnification (1 tick mark = 2.5 um):

https://preview.redd.it/xt8gk7ngn8hc1.jpg?width=2560&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1bae9fad56629bd88bc84c51aada51430671626e

9 Comments
2024/02/07
22:20 UTC

2

Question about sequestering

I know sequestering CO2 is a big topic especially with algae because of their CO2 intake, but I read that Cyanobacteria is nitrogen fixing so could the same be done with N2?

10 Comments
2024/02/07
02:27 UTC

7

ID Request

Hi guys i need some help! I found some green guys in my Duckweed cultivation Container (besides the duckweeds of course). The magnifition is 400x. My first Research Lead to chlamydomonas sp. But this guys Lack the flagellates. Do you have any other idea? Thanks in advance (and sorry for the crappy picture :D)

7 Comments
2024/02/06
12:12 UTC

2

How to grow algae

I want to grow micro algae next to my brine shrimp tank and was wondering how to do that ? The cheapest methods possible if anyone can help me out. The algae must be in salty water.

8 Comments
2024/02/05
04:42 UTC

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