Dilution Solutions 3/4 in Mixing Chamber Sunshade

Light-Blocking Sunshade for 3/4 Inch Mixing Chambers – MC34-SHADE

The Dilution Solutions MC34-SHADE is a mixing chamber sunshade designed for 3/4-inch mixing chambers in Dilution Solutions NDS (Nutrient Delivery System) installations. The clear bowl of a standard mixing chamber is necessary for monitoring the blending of nutrient solution, but transparency also allows light to reach the nutrient-rich water inside.

Light exposure to nutrient-rich water promotes algae and biofilm growth inside the mixing chamber. Algae and biofilm can accumulate on the bowl walls, clog the mixing chamber's internal components, and introduce organic contamination into the fertigation line. The MC34-SHADE covers the clear bowl portion of the mixing chamber to block light exposure. It is removable for inspection or cleaning.

Key Features & Benefits

• Light-Blocking Cover — Prevents light from reaching nutrient-rich water in the clear mixing chamber bowl.
• Eliminates Algae Growth — Light blocking removes the primary condition that promotes algae growth inside the chamber.
• Prevents Biofilm — Reduces biofilm formation on the interior surfaces of the mixing chamber bowl.
• Removable Design — The cover is removable for visual inspection of the mixing chamber or cleaning.
• 3/4-Inch System Compatibility — Sized for 3/4-inch Dilution Solutions NDS mixing chambers.
• Simple Retrofit — Fits over the existing clear bowl without tools or modifications.

Who Should Use This Sunshade

The MC34-SHADE is recommended for any NDS installation where the mixing chamber is positioned in a lit area. In grow facilities where lights run 12–18 hours per day, unprotected clear mixing chambers in the irrigation line will receive significant light exposure. The sunshade is a low-cost retrofit that reduces ongoing maintenance from algae buildup.

Why Light Causes Algae in Irrigation Systems

Algae are photosynthetic organisms that require three things to grow: light, water, and nutrients. Inside a mixing chamber, nutrient-rich water provides two of the three requirements. When the clear bowl also allows light penetration, all three conditions are met. Algae can establish on the interior bowl surface and grow into colonies that clog small-diameter connections, introduce organic compounds into the nutrient solution, and interfere with accurate EC/pH monitoring downstream. Removing the light source by covering the clear bowl breaks the growth cycle without requiring the use of chemical treatments or more frequent cleaning.

Frequently Asked Questions

What size mixing chamber does the MC34-SHADE fit?

The MC34-SHADE is sized for 3/4-inch Dilution Solutions NDS mixing chambers.

Can I still see into the mixing chamber with the sunshade installed?

The sunshade is removable. Remove it for inspection or cleaning, then reinstall it.

Does algae actually grow inside irrigation mixing chambers?

Yes. Clear mixing chambers in lit environments provide the light, water, and nutrients that algae need to grow on interior surfaces.

Will the sunshade prevent all algae growth?

The sunshade eliminates light exposure, which is the primary driver of algae growth inside the mixing chamber. Algae requires light to photosynthesize — without it, growth inside the chamber is greatly reduced.