Some people have better results with setting the timer in different ways. 1 on 5 off allows the best air to water ratio in my opinion. Some people get different results.

Also what strain are you using and how long have you been trying to root the clones? Are you using an humidity tent? With aero you dont need one if you are. Also cloning solutions in a ez-cloner are not needed and some have shown to slow rooting in aero systems. I use to use rooting hormones in my aero cloner and seen better results without them. About the lighting. closer is not always better but results are again mixed. If you are using tubes or cfls set the lights at around 3-6 inches from the plants. That is where I keep mine and have no issues.

If you are getting algae in your rez then there is more then likely a light leak in your cloner. algae is a plant (pest) but requires light to grow like your MJs do. If you have to wrap something around you cloner that is light proof. Algea also needs minimal light to grow unlike MJ. So check for light leaks. Also, do you use neoprene collars? If not I would suggest them. Light leaks without them.