Caring for Your Algae: A Simple Guide
Algae are living organisms, so it’s important to give them a little care to keep them healthy and glowing. Thankfully, caring for them is as simple as looking after a potted plant!
Upon Arrival
Unpack your algae as soon as they arrive. Shipping can be a bit of a journey for them, so it may take up to a week for them to fully adjust and start glowing. It’s normal if the glow takes a few days to appear.
Temperature
Keep your algae at a comfortable room temperature, ideally between 62 FH and 79 FH. They can handle brief fluctuations, but try to keep them within this range for the best results.
Light
Place your algae in an area that receives light during the day and stays dark at night. Avoid direct sunlight and keep them a few meters away from windows or heaters, where temperatures can vary. Like plants, algae use light to produce energy through photosynthesis. A regular light bulb on a timer also works well for them!
Bioluminescence
The algae will start glowing after dark, typically about an hour after sunset, but only when you give the container a gentle shake. They operate on an internal clock based on the past days’ light-dark cycle, so they won’t glow during daylight, even in a dark room.
Nutrients
Your algae come with enough nutrients for the first few months, but you’ll need to refresh them over time. To keep them thriving, add nutrients every two weeks by replacing at least 10% of the water with fresh nutrient solution. You can find additional nutrients in our online store.
For Display Only
These algae are intended for display and educational purposes only. Do not consume the algae or their medium; they live in a seawater solution designed just for their needs. The algae themselves aren’t harmful, but the growth medium isn’t suitable for drinking.
No Glow?
If the algae aren’t glowing yet, give them a little more time to recover from their travels. Remember, they need darkness to show their glow and will light up best when swirled gently in a dark room about an hour after sunset. For additional help, check our FAQ or reach out to info@petjellyfishus.com