Algae prevention

[Ray]

I have no idea if this is novel, but it has worked in this particular situation, so I thought I'd share:

I have a cylindrical glass vase, 8" diameter x 12" tall, that I use to house a few mini's - mounted Phalaenopsis parishii and Schoenorchis fragrans, plus potted Lepanthopsis astrophora and Paphiopedilum helenae.

The bottom has about 2" of LECA to wick water and provide humidity. The potted plants are sitting on a piece of plastic to keep them off the LECA.

Always in the past, algae grows in the standing water at the bottom. No big deal, but it looks bad. But not any more!

I just added a teaspoon of Dawn liquid dishwashing detergent to the vase, dropped in the LECA and added the water (gently, to avoid foam). It has been 3 months with no algae, so far.

[WaterWitchin]

Novel indeed! And a cheap fix, if one isn't actually growing something in it or allowing a pet to swim in it. Since I have a pond and aquarium(s), I always have algaecide at hand.

My koi don't like soap... or doing dishes for that matter!

[DeaC]

I've done a similar trick with a drop or two of bleach but can't recall how long it worked for.

[DirtyCoconuts]

very cool...can you post a pic of the setup?

[Ray]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

very cool...can you post a pic of the setup?

before adding the paph, and replacing the thick, white plastic with a thinner clear piece.

[DirtyCoconuts]

super amazing, Ray!!

that is soo much in such a tiny space!!! amazing

[WaterWitchin]

Where'd you get the light base?

[DirtyCoconuts]

looked custom made to me

[WaterWitchin]

Originally Posted by DirtyCoconuts

looked custom made to me

Yes, unfortunately. But I'm hoping not.

[Ray]

I built it to fit that glass vase.

It incorporates a custom-made LED "ceiling" fixture that matches the specs of the LED lamps I used to sell.