How do I obtain a commercial-size sample culture of (appr. 1 litre
size) of Spirulina?  The source has to be Canadian, if possible, as I
am located in southern Ontario.   Thanx in advance. Please note, this
is not about getting a supply of processed Spirulina. I want a live
sample suitable for inocculating large batches of culture for the
purpose of growing my own spirulina as a cottage industry.    Thanx in
advance

The University of Texas maintains a massive algae strain collection
(UTEX), and all strains are available for purchase.  The website is
http://www.bio.utexas.edu/research/utex/ and you can order from there.

They ship 10 mL aliquots, not the one liter you specify, but if you're
trying to start your own culture, why would you need any more?  Simply
inocculate with the 10 mL and you'll have liters in no time.

Also, they obviously ship from the US.  This should be no problem but
you might have to check with the proper Canadian authorities to see
whether you have to fax UTEX an import form before you order.

---

Request for Answer Clarification by mego45-ga on 20 Jun 2004 12:47 PDT

Hi rx,
I should have asked you at the time, but I have 2 questions.   If I
wanted to keep a safe sample of Spirulina for an extended period, is
it possible?  Under what conditions?

2. Would you know if oysters will live on a diet of dried algal food? 
I realize that this q. might better be addressed to UTEX.     Thank
You,

---

Clarification of Answer by rxrfrx-ga on 12 Jul 2004 14:52 PDT

I can address your first question, at least partially:

Most microorganisms survive freezing quite well.  Freezing the algae
in the coldest freezer you can find would likely be a good way to
store it.  Unfortunately, I can't tell you anything about what media
might be optimal for storage.   I'm sure if you contact the UT people,
they can advise you on the subject.

this is a very good answer to a question i've wasted considerable time
on previously.  Including the website was great. i was looking at it
in 2 minutes.  thank you.  Mike Gouthro.