Algaecides prevent algae from growing but can also kill algae on a water body. Algaecides can come with different active ingredients. Most of them contain some sort of metal chemical compound such as copper (copper sulfate or copper chelate).
Algae is the “weed” if you are hydroponically growing. When managing a hydroponic system, algae is a nuisance that you will have to keep under control. It could cause your garden to die, ruining all your hard work. Algae create more problems for aquaponic systems, but if left unchecked can cause problems in hydroponic systems as well.
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 another. Often times treating your hydroponic system for algae growth can wait until after you harbest 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 weat and tear on your system, algae can deprive your plants of oxygen. Algae will steal the oxygen from the plants root system. This will cause your plants to weaken and eventually die.
Algaecides in your hydroponic system
In hydroponics, algae can trigger pH swings and oxygen depletion, which can cause lasting damage to plants. Because algaecide is a biocide, it has been known to successfully eliminate algae in the hydroponic syste. It also eliminates other water-borne pests without harming aquatic animals and plants.
In some cases, hydroponic algaecide can even be used to remove moss from crops growing in humid regions. It is recommended to check the plant’s pH levels prior to applying an algaecide based treatment.
Chemical algaecides are not recommended for hydroponic systems that contain fish (aquaponics). The harsh components have been known to harm living organisms. Additionally, chemical algaecides can be harmful to delicate marine plants.
In many cases, gardeners often opt for natural options, which comprise of enzyme based solutions. It should also be noted that a small amount of algae growth in a hydroponics system is considered normal. Algaecides are used sparingly, in extreme cases.
Following their application, preventing future growth is key and can be done in various ways. Preventing light from entering the nutrient reservoir is critical and one of the most important things to remember.
Popular Algaecide Product Types
BioSafe ZeroTol2.0
ZeroTol 2.0 is the fire extinguisher for bacterial, fungal, or algal fires, it immediately knocks out harmful organisms that could damage turf, crops, and ornamentals. ZeroTol 2.0’s fast-acting oxidation process has broad-spectrum applications. Using ZeroTol 2.0 in an integrated pest program, and using it before pathogen emergence, creates a more prepared growing operation.
BioSafe GreenClean Pro Organic Granular Algaecide
GreenClean PRO is a fast-acting water treatment tool. It is very effective against a broad spectrum of algae types, including filamentous and planktonic blue-green algae.
Due to its unique technology, GreenClean PRO’s powerful oxidation reaction provides additional efficacy against general bacterial and fungal pathogens in the water column. This is including but is not limited to bacterial coliforms.
Marrone Bio Innovations Jet-Ag 5% Algaecide
A broad spectrum acid sanitizer that prevents, suppresses, eliminates, and controls algae, fungi, and bacterial diseases in agriculture and horticulture industries with double the power.
Hydrogen Peroxide
If you’re struggling with algae, particularly string algae on rocks or waterfalls, then hydrogen peroxide could be an effective natural solution. Hydrogen peroxide helps to remove algae quickly, while also increasing the oxygen level of the pond water.
Hydrogen peroxide can also be used to kill the algae in swimming pools as it is not harmful to the body. Having natrual pool water is much preferable to using chlorine and other chemicals to keep pools and reservoirs clean.
