I noticed what looks like green algae or some kind of fungus growing on the top layer of perlite in my rooting cups. 

It started just after I put some liquid fertilizer on them (Aqua Vega A+B).   Is that just a coincidence, or could that be causing it?

I since stopped applying the fertilizer, but still the green stuff is growning.   I've got the cups on a temp controlled heating pad and by a window where they get direct sunlight. 

Any ideas as to what this stuff is and should I take it out?

 

it is sometimes benifical but it also could be chlorophyll from the leaves or algea

Isn't it algae?

It looks like it's just algae.

It is algae taking advantage of the light and nutrients, nothing to be concerned about, perfectly normal. Follow your normal regimen, all is fine.

I think we are all a little dumber from that statement!!!!!!         how i saw a video on that when rooting in water maybe u just didnt know lol 

idk how but it could be anyone of the things i posted so its not false and some algae is bnenifical  

umm ok ? never called u a name i was just saying i didnt mean for u to  take it that serious         got this from a website                                                     The filter is loaded with what are referred to as, "beneficial bacteria." These bacteria are critical in breaking down ammonia in multiple steps into nitrogen. While the bacteria probably won't do any harm to your soil - it may in fact help make nitrogen more available to your plants - wringing the filter may severely reduce the number of beneficial bacteria in your filter, thereby disrupting the critical nitrogen cycle. Your pond could experience spikes in ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates, which is really hard on your pond organisms. Your SO can try dipping the filter in a large bucket of water and swishing it around to loosen the goo. This will lessen the disruption of the established bacteria bed and you can also use the wastewater on your plants.

the comment above got from a website i will post a topic on this subject 

It really is just algae and nothing to concern yourself with. if you really pay attention when you go to nursery or see fresh nursery plants coming in from the greenhouses you will often find algae growing on the surface of the media.

yea sorry 

ok you two, LOL

just delete your extra postings and keep the thread in focus :P 

Ok, well I appreciate the answer and am glad it is just benign algae.  Next time I'll try to choose a less controversial topic ;)

jc, the biological filter you were talking about is primarily a function of fish tanks and ponds. The bacteria colonize the filter media and neutralize(eat) the ammonia resulting from fish waste(poop/urine/and food waste).

figlegacy, if you have extensive amounts of algae it could be a slight problem. Only in the sense that the algae will be using some of the available nutrients.

Hi figlegacy,
You should have your clear cup in a dark cup .
Because you don't - or so it seems from your pic - and because you watered and fertilized from the top, the algae have everything to develop food and light.
I would fear that they develop on the cutting too maintaining it humid and so getting the cutting to rot .

So IMO, you should add perlite on top of that cup and put it in a dark cup or wrap it in tinfoil .
Algae can be a sign of too much watering. How is your watering schedule ?

Jdsfrance,

I water them once a day and I use fertilizer once every 3 days.  I basically am following RichinNJ's method.  

They are wrapped in tin foil, however, the foil doesn't go above the level of perlite, so what I think must be happening is that the sun is hitting the perlite from the top and causing the algae growth. 

I'll use your suggestion and take out some of the algae contaminated perlite and put fresh perlite on top.