Perhaps it would be better to feed the algae Haematococcus pluvialis rather
than a concentrate?
This algae is usually encountered by people who have installed birdbaths in
their gardens. Very often the first indication that the algae is present is
that the water begins to change to an orange -red colour. The red colour is
due to the pigment astaxanthin, which possibly protects the organism from
sunlight, especially the ultraviolet rays.
Just think we might be able to produce a sun-screen from this stuff :-)
A Dr Thain made some observations back in the 1980's that his birdbath,
which is stored over winter in the garden shed, had produced Haematococcus
over the past ten years. It appears that this alga thrives well in such
inhospitable conditions without too much trouble. Also the rotifer Philodena
roseola are often found in ponds containing Haematococcus. I guess the name
'roseola' refers to the colour red which I assume this rotifer would be.
Perhaps Bruce, this algae might be present in that lake on Fraser Island
where the red coloured rainbowfish is found and fades in captivity?
Adrian.
Adrian R. Tappin
"Home of the Rainbowfish"
http://www.ecn.net.au/~atappin/home.htm