3 Basics Of Hydroponic Algae Growth

3 Basics Of Hydroponic Algae Growth

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hydroponic algae growthAlgae growth is actually made up of several different types of plant-like organisms.  Since there are many different types of algae growth, its appearance in your hydroponic system can take a few different forms.

Algae may be slimy, bubbly, fury, or stringy and may appear in different colors including green, brown, red, and black. Since algae thrive in the same conditions as plants, a hydroponic garden is an ideal environment for algae growth. Here are three things you want to know about algae growth in your hydroponic system.

How Does Hydroponic Algae Growth Start?

Algae in your hydroponic garden start from microscopic spores that are transported through the air. There are steps you can take to reduce the levels of contamination, but it’s hard to prevent algae spores from reaching your system.

Since algae are plant-like, your hydroponic system can be the best environment for algae growth. Warmer temperatures, nutrients, water, and light are what algae needs to grow. Light reaching hydroponic-rich water starts the growth of algae. Once it starts, algae spread and can reproduce rather quickly.

Is Algae Growth Harmful To A Hydroponic Garden?

A small amount of algae growth is not harmful to your hydroponic system or garden. Almost every hydroponic system has some sort of hydroponic growth at one point or the other. Often times treating your hydroponic system for algae growth can wait until after you harvest your crop.

When algae is abundantly growing is when it can become an issue. Large amounts of algae can clog up your system. Clogged pipes can lead to overflow or a blockage to the pump can cause it to stop working. Besides wear and tear on your system, algae can deprive your plants of oxygen. Algae will steal the oxygen from the plant’s root system, affecting respiration, and causing your plants to weaken.

How Do You Get Rid of Algae In Your Hydroponic System?

The best way to stop algae growth is taking away at least one element it needs to grow. By removing its source of light or reducing the amount of nutrients exposed to light, algae will not be able to grow. Finding something that will rid your system of algae and not harm your plants is a challenge. Since algae are plant-like, often what is harmful to algae is harmful to your garden.

Grapefruit seed extract is used to by municipalities to treat drinking water and in studies has shown to be effective at removing algae while not harming your garden. There will always be some algae growth when hydroponic gardening, it’s just about containing it so it doesn’t take over your garden.

6 Answers

  1. Felice Ho
    August 7, 2020 at 7:01 am

    May I know if hydrogens peroxide is a safe option to address algae issue with hydroponic system? It does harm the plant and safe to consume the vegetables with hydrogen peroxide solution? What is the safe amount of hydrogen peroxide to apply if it’s safe for hydroponic? Appreciate for your guidance.

    1. NoSoilSolutions
      August 10, 2020 at 7:34 pm

      You can use hydroponic peroxide but I would recommend waiting until after harvesting. You can control algae growth easier by blocking out its light source, otherwise it will just grow back. Then clean with peroxide after harvest.

  2. Joyce A Jones
    January 25, 2021 at 9:38 am

    Hi. The substance on top of my hydroponic solution is a white-looking substance. Is this the start of algae, or could it be that I did not mix the nutrient solutions very well? Thank you.
    I assumed you’re asking for the website I visited, so I included your website. I don’t have one.

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