BACKGROUND Botryococcus braunii is a eukaryotic photosynthetic microorganism, requiring light, water, and inorganic nutrients for growth. It can convert CO2 into biomass and bioactive compounds with applications in food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries. Parameters such as inorganic carbon and nitrogen sources, vitamins, and salts are important factors regulating algal growth and biomass composition. RESULTS It was possible to observe the influence of salinity on growth and biomass composition of B. braunii. Chu medium was found to be the best medium for growth. In a tubular photobioreactor, biomass concentration of 4963 mg L−1 and productivity of 173.3 mg L−1 d−1 was achieved at 25 °C and 71 µmol of photons m−2 s−1, with the use of a nylon sphere to improve agitation, and with adjustment of nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by daily addition of K2HPO4 and NaNO3 according to the cell growth. Concentration of lipids was found in a range from 32.6 to 36.9%, and oleic acid (29.4–34.7%) and linoleic acid (19.8–23.7%) were the dominant fatty acids. CONCLUSION This study showed the feasibility of using Chu medium for the growth of B. braunii, and the importance of employing a nylon sphere and adjusting nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in the culture medium of a tubular photobioreactor. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry