Care instructions for your bioluminescent algae
ABOUT BIOLUMINESCENCE
Welcome to the ZeaLite Bioluminesz collection.
Our products bring the fascinating magic of nature directly into your home.
Bioluminescence is the natural glow of living organisms, created by a chemical reaction within their cells. Algae, such as those in our GlowBottles, produce this magical light while also making a significant contribution to oxygen production on Earth.
In every ocean, hidden between the waves, these unique algae grow. Carefully cultivated in Switzerland, they ensure a long-lasting and impressive light experience in your home.
Immerse yourself in the world of Bioluminesz with ZeaLite.
FIRST STEPS
Place the bag of algae immediately in a well-lit location at room temperature.
Important
Avoid direct sunlight, as the algae could get too warm and die as a result.
These algae are living organisms. They require light, nutrients, and careful maintenance. If you look after your little glowing friends well, they will remain capable of glowing for longer and may even multiply.
Although the algae themselves are non-toxic, they are in a saltwater nutrient medium that is not intended for human consumption. Please do not drink it.
CARE TIPS
For a healthy algae culture, observe the following points:
• Carefully open the bag and pour the entire contents into the container.
• Replace the silicone stopper on the container and remove it for a few minutes once a week to aerate the algae.
• Place the container in a bright spot with indirect light or under an LED lamp. 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness is ideal.
• Avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Room temperature of about 22 degrees is ideal.
• The algae glow when moved in the dark. A gentle shake is enough to trigger the natural display of light.
• Every few weeks, and only when a brown rim is visible, add about 5 percent of the liquid with fresh ZeaLite Nutrient Mix.
• Always add it during the light cycle and with clean utensils.
• With good care, the algae will remain able to glow for several months.
• If the luminosity fades, you can refill with a refill set.
Note
The algae only glow when moved during their natural night cycle. Even if you darken the room during the day, the glowing will only begin during their night phase.
CARE AND FEEDING OF YOUR ALGAE
After filling your container, wait about a week until you can see a brownish rim of algae on the water surface. This is a sign of good health. The algae do not move actively, but they can control their position in the water by changing their buoyancy.
Feed your container during the light cycle. Swirl the container gently to distribute the algae evenly. Ensure that the ZeaLite Nutrient Mix is approximately the same temperature as your container. Add small amounts of the ZeaLite Nutrient Mix. About 5 percent of the total volume is sufficient. Observe the algae over the next few days after adding.
As soon as a brownish rim forms again on the water surface, you can feed them again after a few days. If you do not see a brown rim, please do not add any further nutrient mix.
Your container should be about one-quarter to three-quarters full. Ideally, about half full. You can simply transfer excess algae to a new container or dispose of them.
ZEALITE NUTRIENT MIX
The specially developed ZeaLite Nutrient Mix provides your algae culture with all the important nutrients for healthy growth and long-lasting luminosity.
It contains carefully balanced minerals, trace elements, and other additives. The composition is tailored to the needs of bioluminescent algae and is oriented towards their natural habitat in the ocean.
DAY AND NIGHT CYCLE
Our algae possess an internal clock, the so-called circadian rhythm. This distinguishes between day and night.
During the light cycle, the algae collect energy. In the dark cycle, they generate their glow. During the day cycle, the algae do not glow.
The algae should receive at least 8 hours of light daily. A light cycle of up to 20 hours is possible.
If you would like to adjust the day/night rhythm, you will need an LED lamp, a timer, and a location that is as dark as possible during the day.
Set the timer so that the algae receive 10 to 14 hours of light during the night hours and remain in the dark during the day. After a few days, the adjustment will begin. After about a week, the new rhythm will be stable.
IMPORTANT NOTE REGARDING DELIVERY
If your algae do not glow immediately upon delivery, that is perfectly normal.
Transport is a stressful experience, and the algae need a few days to recover and resume their natural rhythm.
Should the algae still not be glowing by the fifth night, please send us an email at contact@zealite.com.
We are happy to look into the case and replace the algae culture free of charge if necessary.