Reducing Algae Build Up in and Around the Tower Garden

April 29, 2014

Algae is a common sight in hydroponic and aeroponic growing systems because it grows where water, nutrients and light come together. A small amount of algae on the outside of your Tower Garden usually isn't a major concern, but excessive buildup should be cleaned and the source of the light exposure corrected.

The easiest way to control algae in a Tower Garden is to prevent sunlight from reaching the nutrient solution and clean small amounts of buildup before they become a bigger problem.

Why Is Algae Growing on My Tower Garden?

Algae needs light to grow. If you're seeing algae inside the Tower, around empty growing ports or between sections of the Tower Garden, look for a place where light may be reaching the water or damp surfaces.

Check that the reservoir lid is closed, growing sections are seated correctly and unused growing ports are covered.

How to Prevent Algae in a Tower Garden

Preventing algae is easier than repeatedly cleaning it. Start by looking for anywhere sunlight may be reaching water or wet surfaces inside your Tower Garden.

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Keep the reservoir covered. Make sure the reservoir lid and access port are properly closed.

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Check for gaps. Make sure the Tower Garden sections are seated correctly so unnecessary light isn't entering the system.

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Cover empty growing ports. Open net pots can allow sunlight into the Tower and encourage algae growth.

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Clean small amounts early. Regular maintenance keeps minor buildup from becoming harder to remove.

How to Remove Algae From a Tower Garden

The amount and location of the algae will determine how much cleaning your Tower needs.

Light Surface Buildup

For small amounts of algae on accessible surfaces, use a sponge, toothbrush or small cleaning brush to scrub it away.

Floating Algae or Debris

If algae or debris is circulating in the nutrient solution, drain and rinse the reservoir and growing chamber, then refill with fresh water and nutrients.

Heavier Buildup

If algae has become established throughout the Tower, a more thorough cleaning may be necessary to remove buildup from the reservoir and internal growing sections.

Check Water Flow

Heavy algae or debris can interfere with small openings in the irrigation system, so check that water is flowing normally after cleaning.

Why Is Algae Growing Between the Tower Garden Sections?

If algae repeatedly forms between the white growing sections, check whether the sections are sitting together correctly. Gaps can expose damp surfaces to light and create ideal conditions for algae.

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Check that each growing section is seated and aligned correctly.

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If your Tower is already planted, make adjustments carefully so you don't damage established roots or plants.

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Remove algae and mineral buildup from the outside of the Tower with a sponge, toothbrush or small cleaning brush.

A quick weekly wipe-down can make this much easier than waiting until buildup becomes heavy.

How to Prevent Algae in Empty Tower Garden Growing Ports

Empty growing ports are one of the easiest places for light to enter your Tower Garden. If a net pot isn't being used for a plant, covering the opening helps block sunlight from reaching the inside of the Tower.

Use Neoprene Inserts in Empty Net Pots

Neoprene inserts, also known as cloning collars, fit inside empty net pots and help block light from entering through unused growing ports.

Shop Neoprene Inserts / Cloning Collars →

Is a Little Algae Harmful to Your Tower Garden?

A small amount of algae on an exterior surface isn't usually a reason to panic. The bigger concern is allowing algae to become excessive or letting it grow inside areas where it can contribute to buildup or interfere with water flow.

Clean what you can see, identify where light is entering and correct that source whenever possible. Regular maintenance usually makes algae much easier to manage.