Hi Gurj, here are the answers
1) No specific initial preparation, I just wash the LECA pellets under running water till water runs clear, usually a lot of dust and powder from broken/crushed pellets will drain off, then I plant directly. For the first couple of days keep an eye on the reservoir, it will quickly empty as the the pellets suck in all the water.

2) Luckily for me, I have not had Algae problems that frequently. Algae problems are basically caused due to the media staying overly moist and direct access of light to the pellets, since my orchids are double potted, light does not reach the pellets in the pot and on the surface the media remains just moist but not wet.

3) There is actually no need to get rid of algae, just take care of the conditions like covering the pot, and reducing the moisture and the algae will die off, then washing the pot under running tap water will get rid of the algae. Another way which I have used a few years ago in India, is the use of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Just pour the regular hydrogen peroxide you can buy at pharmacies (termed as 3 volumes H2O2) in the pot, it will fizz over and the reactive oxygen will kill off the algae, but you will have to repeat the procedure very often to completely get rid of the algae. Some people have used diluted bleach or even Physan, but I have never used it.
Quote Originally Posted by Gurj View Post
A couple of question came up regarding SH and them being as:
1. Initial preparation of the media
2. Keeping the SH algae-free
3. What to do if algae has already developed into the media and its elimination without disturbing the plant.