Your plants look very healthy! I have a similar setup and don't have too much of an issue with algae in the water/rail system, but I do get algae growth at the base of the plants on top of the plugs. I use the Rapid Rooter starter plugs and had a big issue with algae, especially with stalky plants like kale. My growth isn't as dense as yours so more light tends to reach the base my greens with the exception of the leafy greens when they start filling out. It looks like you use a similar starter plug... what do you do (if anything) to mitigate the growth of algae on your plugs?
I may have found the answer in the other comments... sorry for the repetitiveness. I typically germinate in the rail system but don't cover the plug with the caps to prevent light... this seems like a simple fix. I am definitely thinking about separating my germination and growing areas.... thoughts?
I like to keep everything in the same system, but there's no reason you couldn't germinate in a separate area! I use the same hole covers to cover the tops of the seed plugs during germination for slower-germinating plants. Lettuce and some other greens germinate and grow so fast it usually isn't needed.
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Thank you soo much for sharing. I love your channel. I recently started hydroponic system like yours. But doesn’t algae grow on the open hiles where you start seeds? I start my seeds separately and move to the rails when they are 1-2” tall. Yet still end up green pipes 😞
Yes, algae seems to like to grow anywhere there's light, heat and moisture. Lettuce usually germinates very quickly and grows to cover the seed plug. For plants that take longer to germinate, I use these same hole plugs on top of the seed plugs to block light until they germinate.
Caleb, in the event you get algae. Do you have any advice on how to treat small amounts of algae growth with your system ? I set up your system, and while I was running testing for about a week, I left the holes uncovered because I was focused on eliminating a few small leaks.
Thanks for your reply. May I know which is the best way to get the most updated list and links links for parts to build your system? What is the best ways to buy these items? Online, home Depot, etc.
vinyl fence covers are about 20-25 bucks for 9 feet (cheaper if you buy bulk), maybe another 10-20 on fittings, cheap pump will run you about 15 bucks. Most of your cost is gonna be the lighting.
One of your videos showed up on my home page. I really like what you're doing and the way you're doing it. Please keep sharing. Thank you.
It's been a while, you are back. Nice👌🏽
Your plants look very healthy! I have a similar setup and don't have too much of an issue with algae in the water/rail system, but I do get algae growth at the base of the plants on top of the plugs. I use the Rapid Rooter starter plugs and had a big issue with algae, especially with stalky plants like kale. My growth isn't as dense as yours so more light tends to reach the base my greens with the exception of the leafy greens when they start filling out.
It looks like you use a similar starter plug... what do you do (if anything) to mitigate the growth of algae on your plugs?
I may have found the answer in the other comments... sorry for the repetitiveness. I typically germinate in the rail system but don't cover the plug with the caps to prevent light... this seems like a simple fix. I am definitely thinking about separating my germination and growing areas.... thoughts?
I like to keep everything in the same system, but there's no reason you couldn't germinate in a separate area! I use the same hole covers to cover the tops of the seed plugs during germination for slower-germinating plants. Lettuce and some other greens germinate and grow so fast it usually isn't needed.
Thank you soo much for sharing. I love your channel. I recently started hydroponic system like yours. But doesn’t algae grow on the open hiles where you start seeds? I start my seeds separately and move to the rails when they are 1-2” tall. Yet still end up green pipes 😞
Yes, algae seems to like to grow anywhere there's light, heat and moisture. Lettuce usually germinates very quickly and grows to cover the seed plug. For plants that take longer to germinate, I use these same hole plugs on top of the seed plugs to block light until they germinate.
Caleb, in the event you get algae. Do you have any advice on how to treat small amounts of algae growth with your system ? I set up your system, and while I was running testing for about a week, I left the holes uncovered because I was focused on eliminating a few small leaks.
That should be no problem, just cover the holes and most of the algae should go away on its own without light.
Very nice! What size net cups are you using with the smaller holes?
1.5" diameter
Thanks for the tips! What is the footprint size of your system?
Approx 4 ft x 2.5 ft
Thanks for your reply. May I know which is the best way to get the most updated list and links links for parts to build your system? What is the best ways to buy these items? Online, home Depot, etc.
I want you to make a video about how mutch money you spend to make it and spend on thad
vinyl fence covers are about 20-25 bucks for 9 feet (cheaper if you buy bulk), maybe another 10-20 on fittings, cheap pump will run you about 15 bucks. Most of your cost is gonna be the lighting.