How can I stop algae from growing in the bucket?

Advanced Techniques GrowFAQ
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It is imperative to keep light from reaching the nutrients in the bucket. For this reason, it is recommended to use black buckets for DWC. When using white buckets,they can be wrapped with several layers of duct tape or a layer of anti-corrosion pipe tape. Be sure to tape the lids also.

Algae needs light to grow. Ensuring no light makes its way to the nutrients through the bucket is the best way to prevent algae growth. Algae also thrives in anaerobic conditions (lack of oxygen) so be sure that plenty of air is being pumped into the buckets. I dont know the minimum amount, but you should not have any problems if you are pumping in at least 500 cc’s/min of air per gallon. 600 cc’s/min per gallon will ensure plenty of oxygen is being introduced in the nutrients.

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Another effective way to limit algal growth is to use a chiller on your water to keep the solution at roughly 18C. The Algae doesn’t take kindly to the slight thermal shock in the chiller part of the loop so it doesn’t ever get a foothold. A chiller, light management around the roots, and a good pump/air stone in your reservoir and you should have a nice healthy root ball without algae.

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I always used the real duck tape used in HVAC. It’s metal, and can conduct electricity. So be careful, with that, and try not to cut yourself. Light won’t get threw that. I made a two plant bubbler out of a rubber made ten gal. + container. But Barker is right. Cold shock it. Godspeed