Algae in Water Farm? Is that a problem?

[Jason]

Just did the Week II feeding and noticed some green stuff like algae. See attached.
Is this a problem?
Didn't see any during the first grow, and none in the other Water Farm.
Is there an additive that will kill it?
Thanks for any insights.

[DW2]

Howdy Jason, the quickest way to kill off and prevent further growth is to block the light from reaching anything that gets wet. I now, cover the clay pebbles in the net pot (six hole DWC Bubbleponics) with a piece of light weight aluminum foil with a small hole for the seedling to grow. Keeping the water temperature between 65° and 70° F will also slow or stop growth of the algae. There are additives like hydrogen peroxide, Hydroguard, Flora shield, and others that can be used to prevent or clear up algae problems.
As far as any harmful effects to the plants, consuming some of the nutrients, clogging up lines and pumps, and generally being a slimy smelly mess to add to the clean up between grows, I don't know of any. (lol) No, all kidding aside, the brown algae that grows inside around the roots, does harm the plant causing many symptoms similar to nutrient deficiencies and can stunt or kill the plant.

[Jason]

Grazzi, grazzi,
I'll look at blocking light and gentle additives.
The plants are thriving and I'd like to keep it that way.

[alltatup]

Jason, grapefruit seed extract did the trick for me when I had a bad algae problem on my last grow. Fortunately, your problem isn't in the roots!! Once you block the light, as DW2 wrote, the problem should go away.

[Jason]

Friend says green its normal.
I'll keep an eye out for brown,.
I do like the light blocking idea, so I might try that as as a healthy mod.

[DW2]

Jason, I had a 'senior' moment earlier, I forgot to post a photo of what I'm doing for this current grow. And yes, the tops of the rockwool cubes in past grows, that I put the sprouts in, always had a green 'carpet',

[Jason]

Exactly what I was thinking. Science experiment meets kitchen skills. Like you, I have both.
Nothing like learning.

[gbauto]

Algae is a plant so it needs light to grow-block the access to light and algae goes away. I just cover the rockwool with hydroton and that solved my 'carpet' issue.

[Jason]

"Jason, grapefruit seed extract did the trick for me"
Thanks for that! I'll try light deprivation first, then check out the seed extract.

[alltatup]

You r welcome