by Sue
(NH)
My seedlings have been in my hydro system for a few weeks now and are doing very well. I noticed that some of the rock wool cubes are starting to turn green on the top. I was not sure how deep to put them in the pot. Most of them I have just barely covered, a few of them, because the seedling was so small, I left them high in the pot. My Ph level is at 6.0. Should they be deeper in the pot or could this be some sort of algae? Thanks!
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Answer from Stella:
Hi Sue,
It is algae. From the website:
You know what this looks like; a greenish tinge that covers the top of the plant media, and may infest your nutrient vat, too. Algae is really not a serious problem, however it is unsightly and signals to you that conditions may be a little to moist in there. Algae growth is caused by stagnant water, excessive moisture, and light. You can prevent it from attacking your nutrient solution by using only opaque tubing in your system (not clear). Cover any ports in the nutrient reservoir with hatches or duck tape to keep light out. Other measures that may help:
If using fine, porous medium, like coco coir or perlite mixes, top each pot with 1-2" of leca stones to provide a
dry barrier. This not only holds down the lighter media, it helps prevent algae and fungus gnats.
Scrape off the algae and correct the overly-damp conditions that caused it.
Sterilize your system between plantings with 10% bleach solution.
Hope this helps!
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