Algae water OK to water with?

[mikechr]

Hi, I'm Mike and a new member. I live in Colorado and since I now live in an apt. and don't have flower gardens anymore, I've satisfied the gardening bug with orchids. I have about 30, mostly Cattleyas and Phalaenopis. I use rainwater to water them, but several of my 5 gal. buckets have developed algae in them. Is it OK to still water with this? If not, can it be cleansed by bleach or Physan 20 or such? Thanks!

[Gage]

Yes, and if you want, yes. When you water with algae water, you will start algae growing in some of your orchids' media. That's up to you.

[Junebug]

Algae rain water works great for me. My plants love it.

[james mickelso]

Remember that along with the alga came other bacteria, molds, and funguses. (hope I spelled all that right). And the alga is taking o2 out iof the water as is the other flora that is feasting on the dead bodies. What is your water like out of the tap where you live? If it is high in minerals then you can cut it with RO water bought from the store. Any cheap drinking water can be used.