diatoms

[vern]

is there an easy way of keeping diatoms for observing during winter months? for practicality living in a northern area means growing them inside. not sure a mason jar would suffice. if any thoughts on this please pass them on. thank you. vern

[curt0909]

A jar is fine. Keep it next to bright light for best results. I had a culture of diatoms and cosmarium desmids for a few months that was very healthy. I didn't circulate the water or use a bubble stone. I occasionally topped the water level off with water from my fish tank. Its a very low maintenance culture.

[Wim van Egmond]

I think the cold months are quite good for collecting diatoms in the field. Try scraping surfaces in ponds. I am not sure which month is best, perhaps februari, march is better.

Wim