How do you tell if phyto is dead

[lilfish717]

So I plan on starting a culture here soon of phyto, rotifers, and amphipods. I bought a thing if phyto and roofers the other day. I do not have the equipment to start a culture yet but still figured I'd try until I get the equipment. All I did was add the little bottle to a gallon jugs and let it sit at the window all day. It was working all week but it appears to be brown today did it die? If it did what is most likely the reason. Thanks.

 

[sbash]

When I attempted to breed phyto, the culture turned brownish when dead. A nice solid (forest if you will) green is a good healthy culture.

It wasn't until a couple months after several failed attempts when I discovered where I went wrong. I was cultivating in a window, as many folks do, however I didn't account for the 'greenhouse affect' and my containers were easily getting up to 100F degrees, lol.