Grow sponge success (other than AG brand)?

I only use the Park Seed 60-cell sponges. They fit perfectly inn the AG and I like the texture much better.

parkseed.com/bio-dome-refill-sponges/p/v1597/

I’ve only used AG and the Park sponges.  At times I’ve gotten white fuzz and green stuff (the latter rarely) on both kinds.  The white is, if I recall, harmless to the plants (others correct me if I’m wrong as to which is harmless).  (Edited to say I was wrong - the green is algae and harmless, the white is mold and can be a problem).  I don’t know why sometimes it happens and sometimes it doesn’t, but usually I just leave it and use a pod cover so I don’t see it.

As an interesting aside regarding the sponges, Corinne recently grew the same seed in both AG and Park sponges side by side, and those in the Park definitely sprouted faster. Though I’ve used both for years, that was the first time I learned there could even be a difference in speed.  I think it’s to do with the texture difference.

I use rapid rooters, but in a tray.  When transplanting to the aerogarden, I skip the cage and put them directly into the grow deck, but first, I have to make a flat spot on one side to accommodate the water spout in the deck.

Wow, this thread has me all sort sorts of second guessing myself. I just ordered a pack of 50 Rapid Rooters and plan to reuse my cages. If you'll recall my other thread and forgetting to plug in the basin, I've got a bit of mold on some sponges. Planning to clean it out and do a full reset and throw in one or two pepper seeds. I'll report results when I have them. Also I should take some pics of my grow tent. I've mostly been sh aring that stuff over at the Pepper Lovers Community on Google+.

Ok I did some digging AND made a call.  This is what I learned the green algae can be coming from:

1)  The water may be too warm.  You can keep water cool by placing ice cubes in the bowl.  Also make sure the AG Unit is not near a window, or any appliance that can give off heat.  Heat from appliances can and often warm the water in the bowl which then can cause the algae in the bowl and /OR on the sponge.

2)  If you see Algae you can place 1 tsp (good for Harvest units and larger) in the bowl itself. 

3)  Make sure the pump is plugged in.  Absence of water circulation can also cause the algae on the sponge and in the bowl.  They suggested to try removing the filter on the pump and turning the dial to the right for more intensity of the pump.

4)  The sponge is too close to the label not allowing for air circulation, push the sponge into the cage a little more.



NOTE:  I will also be placing this in the AG FAQ Thread in the General Forum.

If it gets warm before a rinse and refill is needed, throw ice cubes in.  I do that all the time in the Herb Garden.