Embodiments of the present invention relate to algae cultivation systems and methods. In an embodiment, an algae cultivation system is included. The algae cultivation system can include a cultivation tank, a plurality of light transmitting elements configured to be at least partially submerged in a liquid medium disposed within the cultivation tank, wherein the light transmitting elements increase the effective surface area of the liquid medium exposed to light, and a plurality of gas injectors configured to emit gas into the liquid medium. In an embodiment a method of culturing algae is included. The method can include measuring the amount of carbon dioxide in a cultivation system and modulating the amount of light being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of carbon dioxide. In an embodiment, a method of culturing algae can include measuring the amount of light being input into a cultivation system and modulating the amount of carbon dioxide being supplied to the cultivation system based on the measured amount of light. Other embodiments are also described herein.