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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2020 9:27:03 GMT -5
Several weeks ago I posted on a Cascading Petunia Kit that produced nothing but goopy green algae and no germination whatsoever. I knew by the bubbling algae and the amount of it that no amount of hyd. peroxide was going to make a dent and that it had totally taken over the seeds. The kit was ordered from Amazon. Today, after emailing Aerogarden about the kit, I received a notification that a new 9 pod replacement was on the way.
AG does make good on their promise to replace pods and kits that do not germinate.
One thing , though, I have been AG-ing steadily since 2008-2009 and NEVER have I had a year with so much algae growing on my projects regardless of the brand of sponges used. 2019 and into 2020 was a time of failed pods and projects due to algae infestation.
If anyone has a clue as to the cause I would love to know! Have tey changed something in the nutrient solution over the past year? 
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266 
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Post by Shawn on May 15, 2020 10:07:48 GMT -5
Great news on the replacement kit!
As for hte Algae I too have noticed it more over the past year. I think it is the nutrients. I know at some point they changed. However I have a quart container here that I believe is from before the change. I am going to break it open and see if I get less.
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Post by Deleted on May 15, 2020 10:27:00 GMT -5
I am halfway through my big bottle and am heavily considering returning to the 3 part route in sample sizes just to see. I might add that it is a route I really don;t want to revisit..a slippery slope which entails ph up and down monitoring. Something I dislike ...intensely. But the algae in the AG's is out of hand and I can't stand so many failed pods because of it.
I don;t know if this has been addressed on the AG FAcebook page because I don;t go there , but if anyone has read about it..please post an answer ..other than suggestions for Hydrogen peroxide.(which works for mild, infrequent episodes)
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on May 15, 2020 17:59:39 GMT -5
I will write my contact as well.
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on May 16, 2020 5:40:27 GMT -5
Corinne, was it in an Aerogarden with a white deck? If so that might be the problem. That is why I paint my decks black with Krylon Fusion for plastic.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on May 16, 2020 6:25:44 GMT -5
I think the white decks are an issue as well. Although it does happen in the black one, you just can not tell as much I think.
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Post by Deleted on May 16, 2020 8:54:26 GMT -5
ditto what Shawn said...the white encourages it more, but it is still in the other machines...just pull out the baskets and take a look!
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Post by lilginger13 on May 17, 2020 17:47:53 GMT -5
Just from reading about this issue in this forum, I'm thinking about paint. I'm only 6 days in and no issue yet. I'm waiting for it. Then I will decide. My apt stays very cool and I'm adding ice almost everyday....just trying to avoid it.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on May 17, 2020 18:34:08 GMT -5
I would only add ice if the water is warm. As long as it is cool (for herbs and lettuce) you dont have to. I also do not think the ice keeps algae at bay.
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Post by lilginger13 on May 17, 2020 19:02:49 GMT -5
Ok..thanks. I only do it when water is pretty warm. I check the temp with my finger, everyday. I think it gets warm after the pump has run. Most times, it is fine.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on May 18, 2020 5:09:26 GMT -5
Also if you think it is too warm when pump not on, try lifting the hood a bit. That sometimes helps.
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2020 18:41:23 GMT -5
This evening I am sending an email to AG about this issue of excessive algae. Here is a Sprout Seed Starter project I started less than a week ago. No matter what pod I use, I get this ...and it ruins many seeds and pods. H, peroxide is no help. Something has definitely changed.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on May 19, 2020 4:58:55 GMT -5
I think any of us that have this issue should send them emails today. I will as well. Maybe if they get enough it will get addressed.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2020 6:22:44 GMT -5
I think any of us that have this issue should send them emails today. I will as well. Maybe if they get enough it will get addressed. yes, please join me in emailing them. I will post their reply. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2020 10:40:45 GMT -5
Today I received a reply..a lengthy reply..from AG concerning the abundance of algae in the projects over the last year in comparison to the projets grown since 2008 with none. The reply described the cause of ALL algae which was light. The growth is supported by nutrients. The remedy is..same old same old...hydrogen peroxide, wiping off
''Algae is not harmful to your plants but can be a little...yucky. If it bothers you, simply wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth or paper towel and do a full rinse & refill of your garden's reservoir. Be sure to cover any empty pod holes with our plant spacers and leave those pod labels on your seed pods. These actions help prevent light from creeping into the water bowl and helping that algae to bloom...''
So..nothing new..just a repeat of the same old was put in the reply.
I have had sponges with algae that bubbles up on the sponge. Even wiping it off is enough to make anyone not want to continue the project..especially if the project is to be eaten.Wiping it off and covering it again does not prevent it from coming back.
And what about the failure to germinate because of algae? That was not addressed.
The email reply was no help at all.
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Shawn
Administrator
Posts: 16,266
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Post by Shawn on Jun 3, 2020 10:51:07 GMT -5
I received the same email just now @cornne I will now reach out to my contact. I wanted to email first.  |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2020 11:54:13 GMT -5
I received the same email just now @cornne I will now reach out to my contact. I wanted to email first. WORD FOR WORD!!! |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2020 11:54:49 GMT -5
I received the same email just now @cornne I will now reach out to my contact. I wanted to email first. |
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Post by Deleted on Jun 3, 2020 11:56:42 GMT -5
Something that was not addressed: With the Garden Starters, there is no way to cover the pod holes with the cardboard circles. I have lost pods by the score because of algae and having totally exposed sponge tops in my garden starters.My reply to Keri included that this was something that the LAB needed to look into.
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Sher
AGA Farmer
Posts: 7,025
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Post by Sher on Jun 3, 2020 12:49:51 GMT -5
Off topic, but we have had so much rain that algae is growing on the dirt in my outdoor planters, and one vinca succumbed to soggy soil.
And a thunderstorm is on the way today -- then probably next week remnants of Cristobal.
One thing I noticed in my new 360 is that the AG baskets do not fit down into the hole, but sit about 1/4" above the deck. I am afraid that will let enough light in to cause algae.
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