Slime in Water Reservoir

[lycaonpictus]

I have a two gallon reservoir in my wardian case in which floats an ultrasonic mister. The orchids seem to love it so far (I haven't had it that long).

I've found, however, that a clear sort of slime quickly forms on the inside surface of the container (below water line) and on the mister / float. Every few days I wash everything off and fill with fresh water, but it tends to come back just as fast.

Not a problem, really, since it's a small reservoir and a small collection. I was just wondering if anybody else had experienced this, and what possible solutions were out there.

Thanks!

[Connie Star]

Does it smell? Could be non-pathogenic bacteria, like Pseudomonas.

[lycaonpictus]

Ironically, I do not have a sense of smell, so cannot answer this. :/

[Connie Star]

Does it look like the slime that you get on top of the water you put cut flowers in? If so then it's probably bacteria. Probably harmless, too.

[lycaonpictus]

Yeah, I figured it was some kind of biofilm. (**wave from a fellow biologist in Western PA** ) I'm not so much worried about whether it's harmless as how I might avoid the...icky. I'm sure a tsp of bleach would take care of it, but I didn't want to do that in an enclosed case.

So I was just wondering if anybody had "orchids in an enclosed space" tips for minimizing it. I'll just end up dealing with it if not.

Thanks for the input, Connie!

[BioWheel]

You could try AlgaeFix from pet store. Copper based - not bleach. OK for enclosed area.

[lycaonpictus]

Great! Thanks, BioWheel!

[neb]

I would be careful with a copper based product especially since your problem is not algae. After all if a product will kill algae it probably won’t be too good for you plants. I would try adding hydrogen peroxide to the water or something else that won’t leave heavy metals behind.

[BioWheel]

We aren't sure what 'it' is so your statement that the problem 'is not algae' is false.

I use copper algaecide in my aquarium and it doesn't kill plants - just algae. Of course - too much could be added and that might be a problem so start with a couple drops and go from there.

Peroxide is a good solution as well.

[Connie Star]

Technically speaking, copper is not a heavy metal. There is a requirement for small amounts of it, along with zinc, in human and plant enzymatic processes. It's one of the micronutrients, so it shouldn't harm plants, unless of course too much is applied. There's usually copper in tap water, too, from the plumbing. Like everything else in life, balance is the key.
I hope this isn't too much of a lecture. I'm getting philosophical in my dotage.