Richiero's Tank & Scrubber

It's a new screen. As you start to get a "slime" layer over the first few days, coverage will even out

 

That's good for a start, and then see how it responds. Typically initial growth is more sensitive to too much light for too long. You may need to break up the photoperiod into a few hours here, a few hours there. After you get a base of growth the system is much more forgiving with the photoperiod.

 

I would worry about that at this point. When you start getting a base of growth, you can combine the photoperiods into 2 or 1. But wait a while on that and post some pics every week or so

 

Very good for first week!

 

I assume you are referring to the strip along the side of the screen. I'm also assuming that the side of the screen is next to the "start" of the slot, or rather the point closest to the source/pump/input. Could be a couple reasons, but it should start to fill in as the screen grows and flow gets diverted a bit. There might be a few explanations, but overall it's not a big worry.

One reason could be related to the end of the slot, and might relate to how you cut it. If there is a remnant of PVC on the inside of the pipe that sticks out a bit or is at an angle (hard to describe) then the flow might 'skip' by a small section until it encounters backpressure from the other end of the slot pipe. Trimming it or shaping it with a small file might help. Not sure if that makes sense (or if it will make a difference)

 

If you can, take a close-up pic of the slot at that end and post it. Without the screen in it - lay it on a table slot-up.

 

sorry got sidetracked

I think that the uneven width of the slot could be affecting coverage, basically water takes the path of least resistance and avoids the path of highest. So the end of the slot closest to the source is generally the highest resistance for a few reasons, and then if you have an area with larger width this will magnify the effect.

However the flipside is that in that area with higher flow, you will get better growth and this will tend to divert flow to the lower growth areas (less resistance). But in the perfect world you want a nice straight even slot to minimize this effect.

And yes I can make one for you and it's not that much $$. I would just cut the slot to length and leave 6" or so on either side for you to cut to length and install endcaps/adapters as you need. One of these days I will probably start stocking standard slot pipe sizes.