Natural chemical cleaner for algae that can't be reached by hand

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posted 6 years ago

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I built a solar powered water distribution center for my garden this year, that pumps irrigation water to a drip system. My staging tank, a 275g water tote, has some algae on the inside walls. As I begin to winterize, I'd like to clean the algae. I can't reach these areas by hand.

I can pressure wash with water. But that will still leave some behind. Is there a natural chemical based approach I can use?

In my days of home brewing beer, I remember using a cleaner for kegs that was pretty miraculous.

Thanks!

S Bengi

pollinator

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Location: Massachusetts, Zone:6/7 AHS:4 GDD:3000 Rainfall:48in even Soil:SandyLoam pH6 Flat

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posted 6 years ago

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I think that the algae will die if you let them dry out.
But if you do the exact same thing next year like you did this year, they will grow back.
Painting the tote black seems to help (on all 6 sides), the less sun the better.

Also you can use the same "food grade chemical" that you use for your beer to kill the algae.

Iterations are fine, we don't have to be perfect
My 2nd Location:Florida HardinessZone:10 AHS:10 GDD:8500 Rainfall:2in/mth winter, 8in/mth summer, Soil:Sand pH8 Flat

Chris Kott

pollinator

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Location: Marmora, Ontario

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posted 6 years ago

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Or you could put in a biological control like aquatic snails.

My much better half makes large glass orbs for art installations involving avocado plants growing in water. It is incredible how effective those little things are.

-CK

A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.
-Robert A. Heinlein

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