Tetraselmis Chuii "starter culture"

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

Uses in Aquaria

• Nutritional Benefits: Tetraselmis is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), including EPA and DHA, which are essential for marine organisms.
• Water Quality Improvement: It helps assimilate inorganic waste, such as ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate, through photosynthesis.
• Enhanced Feed for Marine Life: It is commonly used to gut-load copepods and brine shrimp, improving their nutritional value for fish and invertebrates.
• Antibacterial Properties: Some strains of Tetraselmis have been shown to suppress Vibrio bacteria, benefiting shrimp and other marine species.

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 Tetraselmis Using F/2 Guillard’s Fertilizer

Tetraselmis is a flagellated green microalgae widely used in aquaculture for feeding larval shrimp, copepods, and filter feeders. 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: 1.016 - 1.019 SG)
• Live Tetraselmis 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 1.016 - 1.019 SG.

4. Add Tetraselmis Starter Culture:

   • Use a 1:3 ratio of phytoplankton 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:

   • Tetraselmis can be refrigerated and restarted.
   • Store excess phytoplankton refrigerated and shaken daily.
   • Can be used to start a new batch even after 6 weeks.

By following these steps, you can successfully culture Tetraselmis for aquaculture, reef tanks, and marine ecosystems.