Topic Two: Culture Vessels
Culture vessels can play a large role in success of species growth. When starting cultures it is best to utilize a smaller vessel (8-16 ounces) and through splits slowly build up to the targeted final vessel. For this document I will explain my vessel methodology and recommend that everyone examine their own needs and tune to suit. I utilize disposable vessels to avoid the need to sanitize and clean them. If you wish to utilize re-usable vessels I recommend examining the sterilization processes documented by Rob Weatherly at the Talking Reef. Talkingreef (coincidentally this whole document is being written due to a thread posted there so you are probably already here!).
For starter cultures I utilize soda or water bottles in the 8-16 ounce range, after draining / drinking the contents I wash the bottle thoroughly using Alconox soap (available in powder form at Florida Aqua Farms, it is important to note that I use the Alconox soap to clean all utensils and have had excellent luck with it. I use a ¼” drill bit to put a hole in the cap of the vessel for air supply (more details under Air Supply Considerations).
At the first “split” date (8-12 days after culture start) I move the entire contents of the cultures to a 1 Liter soda bottle prepared following the same procedures. For splits from the 1 Liter I move to either a 3 Liter or 1 Gallon water jug (available at the grocery stores with water of course for around $1 each) which I have adopted as my standard culture vessel size. If larger cultures are needed I will move from a 1 gallon water jug to a 3 gallon carboy, and from the 3 gallon carboy to a 5 gallon carboy. For most the 1 gallon or 3 Liter vessels will work fine unless a great amount of culture is needed. I will re-use vessels for 3-5 splits before discarding and replacing dependant on how fouled they are.
After medium has reached its final “grow out” vessel during splits I will harvest approximately two thirds of the culture and replace with the same amount of prepared salt water. Guillards is added to the culture after the refill and prior to capping and placing back on the rack.
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