Tell me about algae - how big of a problem is it?

[Chucker]

I built some new SWCs this year using clear plastic for the water reservoir. They will get some sunlight on them, so I wrapped them in black duct tape cause I was pretty sure I don't want algae.

But I'm still curious. How bad is it to get algae growth in your water reservoir? Does it take all the nutrients from your plants? Does it limit water movement in the containers? Anyone with experience, please share.

[moon1234]

Originally Posted by Chucker

I built some new SWCs this year using clear plastic for the water reservoir. They will get some sunlight on them, so I wrapped them in black duct tape cause I was pretty sure I don't want algae.

But I'm still curious. How bad is it to get algae growth in your water reservoir? Does it take all the nutrients from your plants? Does it limit water movement in the containers? Anyone with experience, please share.

Algae is a plant with no roots. It will grow on the surface of any growing medium that stays wet. If on plug trays will form a green slimy substance. Algae itself will not harm plants, but it attracts bugs which will (Fungus gnats, etc.).

If algae dries and dies on the surface of the plug it will form a crust that makes it hard for water to get through to the dry growing media underneath. It will go from green to black as it grows larger. This makes the soil look wet when it fact it could be very dry underneath.

It is usually the result of too cold of growing conditions, not enough air circulation to dry things off and/or very high humidity.

Reduce standing water, dry your growing area out and sanitize with an approved algicide when not currently growing or use a product that will not damage crops like Physan or for organic growers, Oxidate. Caution as almost all organic solutions will cause oxidative damage to plants and skin in higher doses.

Oh yea, Algae needs light to grow. Keep any water sources OUT of the sun.