The water and rocks at the bottom of my pod is becoming a dark yellow. Why is this happening?
745318
I've had the same issue. I think it may be the result of the pod receiving too much light. Try putting it in a slightly darker area. Or if it's in a room that is always partially lit (like my office at work, for instance) try covering it up at night so it isn't getting light 24/7. Remember that it only needs 8 hours of indirect sunlight/fluorescent lighting per day.
745319
It could be getting too much light, which is creating an excessive amount of algae. They respond best to fluorescent light during the day and darkness at night.
745320
Difficult to be sure but, its all about the balance of the elements. To much light and not enough time in dark place can effect the health of ecosystem. Did you attempt to address to much algae. If you look on the bottom of the pod you will find a serial number and it should have come with a instruction booklet ans magnet for addressing the algae build up. You can contact the maker and may need to send it vack to them to be recharged.
528388
I have the same issue. I think it's a combination of the sun and being outdoors. I'm going to try and clean it so I can bring it in the house for the winter.
554529
I am ready to call it quits because as soon as I clean it, and get it filled with clean water, it starts to get a funky sulphur taste and smell again. I have boiled the rocks many times and have now stopped adding them to the bottom layer but now it filters extremely slowly so I do not have a reliable source of clean water to drink. I'm very disappointed with the time cleaning and then re=cleaning. I have only had this system for a little over two months so it is not that dirty. I can't recommend this system although I would like to.....and if it doesn't filter out flouride, what's the point? I am ready to call it quits because as soon as I clean it, and get it filled with clean water, it starts to get a funky sulphur taste and smell again. I have boiled the rocks many times and have now stopped adding them to the bottom layer but now it filters extremely slowly so I do not have a reliable source of clean water to drink. I'm very disappointed with the time cleaning and then re=cleaning. I have only had this system for a little over two months so it is not that dirty. I can't recommend this system although I would like to.....and if it doesn't filter out flouride, what's the point?
854972
It is a soft yellow/gold tone when dry. In order for it to work you must be careful of the amount of water you add so it will fill in the voids.
1930756
Sorry I haven't had this issue. Perhaps another issue with nutrients or water temperature. What are you growing?
799959
Are you running hot or warm water through it? Anything except cold water may be breaking down the carbon.
1960822
It might be chemical deposits from the water or normal staining. Feel with your finger if you can. If it feels rough, it's corrosion.
906036
It's probably mold. I'd try using a beach solution and let it stand for awhile.
2252477
Thanks for the answers. I do get an accumulation of crud since I use well water in the two water containers. Particles of something, probably from the pipe beween the well shed and kitchen, end on the curved surface near the hole.
1306337
The color is powered by the flow of water. The color doesn't start immediately.
1828412
Yes. I've had this unit for over 3 years. It would happen if I hadn't used the unit for a couple weeks. If you use a filter, be sure to change it. Also clean the points on the part that puncture the pods. I also just ran water through the unit a few times. If you have hard water the pumping mechanism may have gotten clogged. It has only happened twice and as I said, only after extended non-use. Good luck.
2282423
I think mine was doing that as well. We threw it out. I scrubbed it and it was still discolored.
865134
Mine is the same way. We have hard water in this area so I figure the residue is left over minerals after the water is boiled away. I just wipe with a paper towel. It hasn't been a problem.
1674351
I am quite sure it's the underside; mine is still buried in snow in the back yardWhat I will say is a down-side is that it got mildew in crevices, under the table insert; this is Northern New York, and mildew is not real common here
1827292
Try cutting back liquid. Mine has turned out different when I use broth or stock instead of water.
2170072
Overly wet soil could cause that. I havent checked mine but Oregon is extremely dry in the summer and I may have fared no better, tho mine to is also tall.
1504061
I've never had that problem. Do you run lots of cold water through them before you use them for the first time? When I open a new one, I run cold water through it and lots of black stuff comes out. I assume there is charcoal inside and its charcoal dust.