Based on the image and your observation, it's understandable why you might think these grey globs are pest eggs. However, they seem more consistent with microbial buildup rather than insect eggs. Let’s break it down:
 

1. Biofilm or Fungal/Bacterial Colonies:
 

• Appearance & Texture: In a hydroponic system, conditions are moist and nutrient-rich, which can encourage microorganisms to form biofilms along the roots. These tend to be amorphous little globs with a slimy or grainy texture.
• Color: Biofilms or early fungal colonies often appear as grey, greyish-green, or even white deposits—not the defined, uniform clusters you’d expect from many pest eggs.

 

2. Pest Eggs Consideration:

• Insect Eggs Traits: Most insect eggs (like those from fungus gnats) are usually white or translucent and are generally laid on or near the growing medium—not often directly on the roots in a hydroponic setup.
• Location & Structure: Insects that lay eggs tend to choose places where the emerging larvae can immediately find suitable food or shelter (often on the plant foliage or the growing medium, not so much clinging to the roots).

 

How to Tell the Difference

• Magnification Check: Using a magnifying glass or microscope can help you see if the globs exhibit defined boundaries and structural elements typical of an egg. Pest eggs usually have a more rounded, uniform look with a defined shell structure, whereas biofilm tends to be irregular and more diffuse. (This part is fun. Just sayin)
   

System Behavior:

 

• Biofilm/Fungal Signs: In hydroponics, if cleaning isn’t regular or if the nutrient solution sits too long, this buildup happens. It’s a sign you might need to adjust sanitation or have better water circulation and oxygenation for the roots.
• Pest Signs: If these were pest eggs, you might also notice other signs of insect activity—like larvae, small moving insects around the reservoir, or even subtle damage to the plant above ground.

 

Steps to Address the Issue
 

1. Improve Sanitation:

• Use PHLO Water Conditioner: PHLO will mitigate Biofilm and help regulate your pH. It does a lot more which is described in the product's description.

• Add an Agitator Pump: These pumps will keep your water from becoming stagnant and allowing the buildup of biofilm and other organisms. They also oxygenate the water and keep the nutrients fresh. You can use this lip lid to run the power cord through the refill port and keep the port closed.

• Clean the Reservoir: Drain and clean your container to remove any microbial buildup. Use a solution of 1 cup Citric Acid and 3 Gallons of water.

• Regular Maintenance: Ensure that you’re refreshing the nutrient solution and cleaning any residue from your hydroponic apparatus on a regular schedule. If you use the pump and PHLO, you can do these types of cleans every 6 months. That doesn't mean you don't do water changes. We recommend no less than every 2 weeks for water changes.

 

2. Monitor for Other Signs:

 

• Observing Your Plant: Check if the plant shows any signs of stress (yellowing leaves, slowed growth, or wilting) which might occur if a true pest infestation were present.
• Examine the Roots: Look for any changes in the root texture or color. Healthy roots are generally white, but they may turn brownish or slimy if affected by microbial issues.

 

3. Adjust Environmental Conditions:

• Temperature & Light: Make sure your hydroponic setup isn’t too warm or moist beyond what your plant needs, as those conditions can encourage microbial growth. To do this, you need to understand and monitor VPD. If you don't know what that is, here is an easy-to-understand guide to do that.
• Aeration: Increased oxygen levels can help keep biofilms in check. Which will be addressed with an agitation pump as noted earlier.

 

Looking Ahead

Even if these globs aren't pest eggs, your attention to detail is key to healthy hydroponic growing. In the future, you might want to:
 

• Set Up a Routine: Regularly check the pH, EC and VPD levels of your system, as imbalances can encourage microbial overgrowth. We recommend daily top offs of water and nutrients. BiWeekly Water Changes and semi-annual reservoir cleanings. Keep in mind, we utilize all of the recommendations we have set forth, so the reservoir deep cleans aren't needed as much.
• Invest in Monitoring Tools: A simple microscope can be extremely helpful in identifying subtle differences on your roots.
• Stay Observant: If you ever do spot actual insect movement or if your crop starts showing signs of distress, it might then be necessary to look into pest-specific treatments.
   

This should give you enough homework. LOL. I tried to cover as much of the how, what, why in this reply. However, if you still need more help, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.