Algae formation
We cannot prevent algae formation. Some clients never suffer from algae formation and others do.
This green alga is not dangerous to your health! Algae spores are in the air we breathe and the water we drink.
Especially during periods when it is warm there are more algae traces in the water. Just look at what happens in surface water when it is warm for an extended period of time. Often an explosion of algae.
It is important not to put your system in a place with a lot of light, nor near a heat source (heater/cooktop). Light and heat is ideal for algae to start growing. But during warm periods, it can also just be very hot in the room.
Use the water regularly so that there is also a flow of water. Preferably add fresh water every other day or every 2 days. Leave the collection tank full as much as possible. If there is only a small amount of water in the collection tank it will heat up even faster and there is a greater chance of algae formation.
Be alert for incipient growth of algae. This can usually be seen on bright spots such as on the ceramic filter, the magnetic part of the faucet (Aqualine/AQV 5, 12 or 18) or on the white part of the multi-step filter (Aqualine Neos and 18). It starts with small green dots and then starts to multiply.
What to do if you have algae formation?
- Green spots on the ceramic filter can be sanded away with the sanding part of a scouring pad. Remove the filter from the top tank and hold the plastic base and filter securely as you scour the white bulb with the scouring pad under a running tap. You will continue sanding gently until the green spots are gone.
- Empty the bottom tank completely and first remove any visible algae from the mineral stones with a dishwashing brush or scouring pad. Do the same with the pH ring, if you have one. Next, place the stones in a pan of water to which you add 1 teaspoon of salt. Bring the water to a boil and let the stones boil out for about 10-15 minutes. You can NOT boil out the pH ring. Instead of the mineral stones, do you have a Cormac ring (Aqualine 18/Neos)? Then it is best to rinse them under a running tap, shaking vigorously. If necessary, use a soft cloth to remove the algae. The Cormac ring can NOT be boiled out.
- Fill the bottom tank 1/3 full with lukewarm water and add a splash of soda vinegar or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Using a soft cloth, wipe the inside of the tank with this mixture, as well as the outside of the multi-step filter. When finished, drain the mixture through the faucet to remove any traces in the faucet. Then flush a few times to remove any vinegar residue.
What do you do when you are away for an extended period of time (vacation)?
Going away for a few days?
Then preferably put the system in a cool/dark place. Leave the lower tank of your system full of water. The stones/Cormac ring are impregnated with silver to prevent bacterial activity.
Going away for an extended period of time?
Take the system apart. Clean the lower tank as described in point 2 above. Dry the inside. Put the wet multi-step filter in a bag in the refrigerator. Let the ceramic filter and the stone/Cormac ring dry (for example, on a piece of kitchen paper) outside the tank. This may even be done in the sun! Leave the system open so that it can dry by airflow.
Upon return, if you have been away for an extended period of time:
- Place the mineral stones in boiling water for 1 hour.
- Place the multi-step filter horizontally ine and container of cold water for 10 minutes. Turn the filter occasionally and lift the top and bottom occasionally to release any air.
- Rinse off any pH ring or Cormac ring under the faucet.
- Reinstall everything.
Do you still have questions? If so, please contact us!