Algae and Hydroponics

15/11/2021

Algae and Hydroponics

In this blog we will address how algae forms, the effects it may have on your plant and some innovative ideas for you to stop its growth. Let’s dive right in! One reason we like to use glass jars for the Exopod containers is so the roots of the plants can be visible in all their glory. However, there is a drawback: The combination of light, water and nutrients that your plants require also creates an environment that accommodates the growth of algae.

In this blog we will address how algae forms, the effects it may have on your plant and some innovative ideas for you to stop its growth. Let’s dive right in!

One reason we like to use glass jars for the Exopod containers is so the roots of the plants can be visible in all their glory. However, there is a drawback: The combination of light, water and nutrients that your plants require also creates an environment that accommodates the growth of algae.

Predominantly this growth occurs in the water container, but the algae can also spread across the hydroponic net pot and other components. In Exopods made using glass jars, the typically green menace appears in sporadic patches before spreading.

How does algae affect our hydroponic systems?

Algae doesn’t directly kill the plants or have many immediate effects on them, but it consumes the nutrients in the container which can affect plant growth. Most importantly for the Exopods, algae can be visually unappealing and if left for longer amounts of time may cause fungi and fungus gnats – which can damage the plants.

How can algae be prevented?

Although the plant leaves need light to allow photosynthesis and growth to occur, there is no requirement for the roots of the plants to also be illuminated. If you are indifferent to whether the plants roots are visible, using an opaque container is the best way to prevent algal growth as it stops light reaching the water and wet component surfaces. Alternatively, you can creatively cover or paint a transparent container, which personalises your systems while reducing algal growth.

Although the plant leaves need light to allow photosynthesis and growth to occur, there is no requirement for the roots of the plants to also be illuminated.

If you are indifferent to whether the plants roots are visible, using an opaque container is the best way to prevent algal growth as it stops light reaching the water and wet component surfaces. Alternatively, you can creatively cover or paint a transparent container, which personalises your systems while reducing algal growth.

If you are like us and love to see the roots of your plants, the best way to manage the algae is to regularly empty the water and either clean the container or replace it with a fresh one.

Before cleaning

After cleaning

Before cleaning

After cleaning

Make sure you revisit this blog in the future, as we will be updating it with further advice on dealing with algae and providing the best guidance on how to remove algae attached to the roots..

Make sure you revisit this blog in the future, as we will be updating it with further advice on dealing with algae and providing the best guidance on how to remove algae attached to the roots.