Can I use bleach in my wick trays?

I need to put something in my trays so that I don't have any bacteria or mold. I have not had chance to buy the Physon 20 yet. Can I put a little bleach in my trays or in my wateing can or is bleach too strong to use? I have used the Lemon lyso but it turns my soil yellow so I do not like using that? So will bleach hurt my plants or can I use just a couple of drops in my watering can or put some in my wick trays?

Jesse

There's been some discussion lately about the chlorine in tap water being a problem, which is why I'm filtering the water I use with my AVs. Adding bleach would essentially produce super-chlorinated water, so I think it would not be a good idea.

I do use hydrogen peroxide when watering seedlings and when rooting cuttings, at the rate of 1 Tbsp. of 3% to 1 quart of water. I don't think it would harm AVs, but like any new thing you might want to try it on just one or two plants at first. It should help keep down bacteria & mold.

I know that hydrogen peroxide is good for plants. I have done research on it and it is a good thing to add. But I don't want my water to get gross so I need to add something to it. Any ideas anyone?

Jesse

Hydrogen peroxide should keep your water from getting gross. I use it with cuttings that I'm rooting in water and even in flower vases to reduce bacteria. People also use it on seedlings to help prevent (fungal) damping off. However, it probably wouldn't do a thing to prevent algae growth.

I'm curious to know what other folks use!

The only thing that I know that works is a good cleaning every two to three weeks. It's a major project what ever type of wicking you do.

The trays stay cleaner longer is no soil gets into them. And I find if they are washed with lysol at cleaning time they last better. The longest I have gone is a month and that is too long. I also found this month that less or no fertilizer reduces algae build up.

It would be gread if we could figure out a way to keep the water moving, like an airiater or something like that.

Jesse, Please be careful with fertilizer in your trays. I lost several nice plants. My current plan is to fertilize lightly when the trays are first cleaned. Then use only water to refill the trays until I clean again. No tight centers so far and some of the plants are relaxing.

What about a small air pump and air stone like for an aquarium? Is there enough water in the trays so that would work? It would keep the water moving and probably increase the humidity, too. I don't use wicks or wick trays since I drowned three of my plants, so I have no experience, but your mention of an aerator made me think of that, nanna. Some of the air stones are pretty small and flat and they come in different lengths.

Thanks for the correct spelling of aerator. I am terrible with spelling. There is usually about 1 inch or less in my trays. Would an air stone work in that depth?

I wasn't trying to correct you, nanna, I just happened to know it from dealing with fish tanks over the years. LOL
I looked at PetSmart and they have this round one. It doesn't say how thick it is, but if it's pretty flat, it seems to me it would work. What do you think?
http://www.petsmart.com/global/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524441811415&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302030092&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1150976464056&itemNo=5&Ntt=airstone&In=All&previousText=airstone&N=2

PetCo has the bar-type ones, which is what I was thinking of to begin with. Here's a page comparing three types they have available, but none list the thickness of the stones.
http://www.petco.com/Shop/ProductCompare.aspx?skus=257915|6367%2C257958|6377%2C140228|5720&redirecturl=%2fShop%2fpetco_SearchResults_Nav_1_N_0_Ntt_airstone.aspx

I don't mind correction. Please, I need all the help I can get. My kids make fun of my spelling. AND actually it is pretty funny at times.

I don't know much about airstones but don't they have to be plugged in to something? They all show some sort of tip that needs to be plugged in to something, or that is how it looks to me. I have 12 trays so if that is the case, I could not afford them. Thanks so much for the ideas. You guys are getting very creative here. Great job!! to all of you.

Jesse

Nanna's way is really he best ANd even to let the go dry once a week nd clean is best Ad everything else she posted a good re-read.
Then get Physon 20 when you can and I would still go
by Nanna's help post

" PHYSAN-20™
PHYSAN 20™ is a broad range disinfectant, fungicide, virucide, and algaecide which effectively controls a wide variety of pathogens on hard surfaces and plants "
Is lees $$ also.

PHYSAN 20™ • Pint
Price: $ 7.75
Its applications include greenhouses; hard surfaces; lawn and turfgrass; seedlings and cut flowers; decorative fountains, pools and birdbaths; and plants. PHYSAN 20™ is an EPA approved concentrate formulated with unique germicidal agents to provide overall protection for your plants and greenhouses. PHYSAN 20™ poses no human or environmental risk when it is used at recommended use levels and according to label instructions.


PHYSAN 20™ • Pint
Price: $ 7.75
http://www.dyna-gro.com/

I think that is what I need to do. I will order some of it and then clean and disinfect all the trays with a little bit of bleach and then I will put some Physan 20 in the trays of water. I'm waiting for the 1st to get here so I will have some money.

Jesse

Jesse, are you looking for something to add to the water so algae won't grow? I don't think you can add the PHYSAN to the water. I may be wrong. I think algae just goes with the type of watering we are choosing.

I am going to look into an aerator.

Physan 20 can be added to trays. Best thing for your plants is let them go dry every week or two and clean trays.