Dunaliella Tertiolecta "starter culture"

Dunaliella tertiolecta is a versatile microalga widely used in aquaria and aquaculture, valued for its adaptability and nutritional benefits. Here’s how it contributes to marine ecosystems and how you can cultivate it:

Uses in Aquaria

• Nutritional Benefits: Dunaliella tertiolecta is rich in beta-carotene, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and antioxidants, supporting marine life health.
• Water Quality Improvement: It helps assimilate excess nutrients, such as nitrate and phosphate, reducing unwanted algae growth.
• Enhanced Feed for Marine Life: It is commonly used to gut-load rotifers and copepods, improving their nutritional value for fish and invertebrates.
• Salinity Adaptability: Unlike many microalgae, D. tertiolecta thrives in a wide range of salinities, making it suitable for diverse aquatic environments.

Cultivation Tips

• Nutrient Optimization: Adjusting nitrogen and phosphorus levels can enhance growth and lipid production.
• Light Conditions: Moderate light intensity and photoperiod control help maintain healthy cultures.
• Culture Media Preparation: Using sterile seawater and proper aeration ensures optimal growth.
• Growth Monitoring: Regularly checking cell density and nutrient levels helps track culture health.
• Scale-Up Strategies: Large-scale cultivation requires CO₂ supplementation and nutrient adjustments to maximize biomass productivity.

How to Grow Dunaliella tertiolecta Using F/2 Guillard’s Fertilizer

Dunaliella tertiolecta is a halophilic green microalgae known for its high carotenoid content and lipid production, making it valuable for biofuel research and aquaculture feed. Culturing it with F/2 Guillard’s Fertilizer ensures optimal growth and nutrient enrichment.

Materials Needed:

• Culture Vessel (Clear plastic or glass container)
• Freshly Mixed Saltwater (Salinity: 1.020 - 1.030 SG)
• Live Dunaliella tertiolecta Starter Culture
• F/2 Guillard’s Fertilizer
• Unscented Household Bleach (7.5% Sodium Hypochlorite)
• Sodium Thiosulfate (Chlorine Neutralizer)
• Air Pump & Airline Tubing (For aeration)
• LED Grow Light (12-24 hour photoperiod)
• Sterilization Supplies (Hot water, isopropyl alcohol)

Step-by-Step Culturing Process:

1. Sterilize the Culture Vessel:

   • Wash with hot water and isopropyl alcohol to remove contaminants.

2. Chemically Sterilize the Water:

   • Use RO (reverse osmosis) or filtered seawater.
   • Add 0.14 mL of bleach per liter of water (~2.5 ppm concentration).
   • Let sit for 30 minutes to kill bacteria and competing algae.
   • Neutralize with sodium thiosulfate (1 drop per liter).
   • Aerate for several hours and test for chlorine before use.

3. Prepare Saltwater:

   • Adjust salinity to 1.020 - 1.030 SG.

4. Add Dunaliella tertiolecta Starter Culture:

   • Use a 1:3 ratio of microalgae culture to saltwater.

5. Add F/2 Guillard’s Fertilizer:

   • Apply 1 ml per liter of culture volume.

6. Provide Aeration:

   • Insert airline tubing and aerate gently to keep nutrients evenly distributed.

7. Set Up Lighting:

   • Use an LED grow light with a 12-24 hour photoperiod.

8. Monitor Growth & Harvest:

   • Ready for harvest in 5-7 days.
   • If color fades, add F/2 fertilizer as needed.

9. Storage & Restart:

   • Dunaliella tertiolecta can be refrigerated and restarted.
   • Store excess microalgae culture refrigerated and shaken daily.
   • Can be used to start a new batch even after 6 weeks.

By following these steps, you can successfully culture Dunaliella tertiolecta for aquaculture, biofuel research, and marine ecosystems.