My system is working really well since I added four fluorescent lights. My problem is green algae is taking over the top of my grow bed. Lettuce and Basil seem to be happy but my wife is concerned about the algae. Is the algae bad or harmful? Will it start to grow on the lettuce and Basil.
My water pump runs every 20 minutes. After the grow bed fills and empties, the water continues to run through bottom of the grow bed. Could this be part of the problem?
Green in Philadelphia PA
Hi Fritz,
Usually green algae on the grow bed media is an indication of the water level in the bed getting too high. It's best to only have the water flood to within a couple of inches of the top. The algae presents no health issue as far as the vegetables are concerned.
Gary
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Fritz,
Is it an indoor system? You said the algae became a problem when you added fluoro lights. Are the lights suitable for growing plants?
I ask because I am planning to instal a couple of grow lights above a growbed under my carport where the FT is located. The tropical sun here is very strong and all of my GB's have to be protected with shade cloth, under eaves etc.
I am planning to grow lettuce and it needs cooler conditions, so I'm going for full cover and artificial lighting.
I have not had any problem with excessive algae because my FT's are in full shade and growbeds are not in direct sun. Also as Gary has said, I try to keep the water level a few inches below the surface of the media.
Dave
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