HydroCycle Vertical Aeroponic Systems - FarmTek

21 Pages·2016·1.72 MB·English

HydroCycle Vertical
Aeroponic Systems
©2018 Growers Supply
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission. 113700 4' Vertical System (24 Grow Sites)
Revision date: 01.10.18 1
Important Information
READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR HYDROCYCLE VERTICAL AEROPONIC SYSTEM.
This guide provides helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble and properly maintain HydroCycle Vertical Aeroponic System. Read and
understand this guide before you begin.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TOOLS BASIC CARE AND MAINTENANCE
• Apply PVC cement in a well-ventilated area. Follow The following list identifies tools needed to Proper care and maintenance of your
all instructions on PVC container. assemble the aeroponic system. Additional tools system is important. Check the following
may be needed depending on application. items periodically to properly maintain your
• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
aeroponic system.
Interrupter) when working with electric power tools • Tape measure and gloves.
and cords. Use battery-powered tools if possible. • Check connections to verify they remain
• Marker to mark locations.
tight.
• Exercise caution when using all tools.
• Variable speed drill (cordless with extra
• Verify pump is working properly.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when drilling and batteries works best).
cutting. • Check and clean filter to optimize
• Wrenches and socket/ratchet set for stand
performance.
SAMPLE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE assembly. Sizes: 7/16", 1/2", and 3/8".
• Clean reservoir periodically to prevent
The steps outlining sample table system assembly • 1-3/4" hole saw bit
unwanted contamination of solution.
process are as follows:
• 5/16" drill bit
• Monitor temperatures (room and solution)
1. Verify all parts are included in shipment. Notify
• Tool to cut pvc tubing to maximize plant growth.
customer service for questions or concerns.
• Ladders to work at the height of system.
2. Read these instructions and all additional
documentation included with shipment before you
begin.
3. Gather tools and assistants needed to assemble
product.
WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS
CORDS AND CONNECTIONS OUT OF THE The following steps will ensure that you have all the
RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES necessary parts before you begin assembly.
OF A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO
ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY CONNECT 1. Unpack contents of shipment and place where
PUMP TO A POWER SUPPLY. you can easily inventory parts. Refer to Bill of
Materials/Spec Sheets.
ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE
2. Verify all parts listed on Bill of Materials/Spec
DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL
Sheets are present. If anything is missing or you
AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES AND
have questions, contact Customer Service.
STANDARDS.
2 113700 Revision date: 01.10.18
Important Information
PICTORIAL GUIDE
Use the following graphics and photos to identify
the parts of the system.
110091 WR1095 112066 WF1023 110829 WF2372 WF2860 WF4065 110077 Air
Clear Vinyl Tubing Tape Y-Filter with Drill & Tap Combo Stone
screen
112710 113595 WF4790 Key 111045 WF2392 WF1990 WF1970 WF3411 109793
Punch
110723 Aqua Pump 112531 Timer* WG3845
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW ATTENTION: A timer is
THE PUMP TO RUN WHILE required to cycle the water
RESERVOIR IS EMPTY. pump on and off. If you did
DAMAGE TO PUMP not purchase a timer, contact
WILL OCCUR. MONITOR your sales representative to
NUTRIENT LEVEL AT ALL purchase the 112531 timer.
20 Gallon Reservoir with Cover and Porthole TIMES.
110725
Cover *Timer not included. Additional
Air Pump
purchase required.
Revision date: 01.10.18 113700 3
Basic Aeroponic System
The aeroponic system is ideal for growing in tight spaces. Multiple systems
arranged in the same area allow for maximum use of available growing space.
However you decide to use your aeroponic system, review the information that
follows to better understand how to prepare and setup and system. System shown
without reservoir.
1. Construct the 115041 AeroTower Stand using diagrams near the back of this
guide.
2. Review diagrams throughout this guide to help decide where to set the
system. Set tower stand and reservoir in place. Allow ample room for
cleaning, maintenance, and harvest.
3. Check overhead clearance. Height of 4' system (113700) with grow tube on
stand is approximately 72".
4. Consider system pump location and clearance it will need.
5. Consider where main power will connect to water pump and air pump.

ATTENTION: All electrical wiring to be completed by an electrical contractor
in accordance with established electrical codes.
6. Depending on setting, additional lighting may be required. Ensure that
electrical service can support the addition of artificial light fixtures if needed.
TIMER REQUIRED
For best results and to prevent over-heating of the nutrient solution, a timer is
required to control the water pump. After populating the grow tubes with plants,
set the timer to cycle the pump on and off as follows:
Run pump for three (3) minutes every two (2) hours.
Monitor the plant growth and solution temperature and adjust watering times
as needed to maximize results. Do not connect the air pump to the timer.
Air pump must run continuously for best results.
4 113700 Revision date: 01.10.18
Assembly Instructions—Reservoir Cover Preparation
1
DRILL SUPPLY, DRAIN, AND AIR LINE HOLES IN COVER
Complete these steps:
1. Take the 113797 cover and set on customer-supplied supports for drilling holes. Do ATTENTION: Actual cover
not drill cover over the reservoir. Debris can damage pump and clog filter. Locate X design may differ. Prepare
and mark the center of the raised cover where cross braces meet. actual cover as directed.
2. Using a 1-3/4" hole saw, drill the supply manifold hole in the center of reservoir cover.
3. Using 113108 cap as a template, align center hole with hole in cover.
Step 1
4. Mark center of drain hole on cover.
Drain hole
in cap.
Mark drain hole
position on the cover.
Step 2 Step 3 Step 4
5. Using a 1-3/4" hole saw, drill a hole for drain extension tube and pump power cord.
Step 6
Drain Hole
Drain hole
Center position.
Hole
Step 5 Step 6
6. Finally, take a 5/16" drill bit and drill two (2) holes in the raised area on either side Figure B: Cover showing all holes
of the porthole. These holes are for air lines from the air pump. See Figure A. drilled.
7. Remove all debris from the cover and around all holes. Figure B shows a prepared
cover with all holes drilled. Figure. A: Drill two 5/16" air
tube holes in either location.
8. Continue with the next procedure.
Revision date: 01.10.18 113700 5
Assembly Instructions— Prepare Grow Tube
2
INSTALL GROMMETS IN CAP
Complete these step: 113595
1. Take the 113108 10" grow tube cap (two (2) holes) and install one 113595 grommet in center hole. Carefully start grommet in hole and work it around until
grommet is seated flush against lid. Fit is tight. To prevent damage to grommet or injury, do not use any sharp or pointed tool during installation.
2. Flip lid over. Verify that collar of grommet is flat against cap surface.
113595
Grommet
3. Take the remaining 113595 grommet and repeat steps to install it in the drain extension tube hole.
4. Continue with the next procedure.
6 113700 Revision date: 01.10.18
Assembly Instructions—Assemble Grow Tube
3
STEP 1
ASSEMBLE GROW TUBE
Complete these steps:
1. Take the 113113 mist column and carefully twist the 113108 cap
with grommets (previous procedure) onto threaded fitting at top.

ATTENTION: Inspect the mist column to ensure that no mist
emitters are damaged or missing. Consult the procedure to
replace damaged mist emitters near the back of this guide if
STEP 2 Seat column fitting tight STEP 3
needed.
to rubber grommet.
2. Seat cap tightly against shoulder of threaded fitting to seal against
cap.
3. Wrap threads of mist column fitting with thread tape. Wrap in a
direction that will not allow the tape to unwrap when manifold
section is attached.
4. Add the WF1990 fitting to the threaded end of mist column.
5. Hold column with one hand and tighten the WF1990 fitting against
the rubber grommet. Tighten until snug.
STEP 4 STEP 5
WF1990
Revision date: 01.10.18 113700 7
Assembly Instructions—Assemble Grow Tube
3
ASSEMBLE GROW TUBE—continued
6. With assistance, take grow tube and carefully slide cap and mist column assembly into tube. 112710
7. Work cap over end of grow tube and tap in place with palm of your hand. Do not hit with hammer or anything that could crack tubing or cap. Verify that cap
is seated in place.

ATTENTION: Do not glue cap to grow tube! Tube must remain free to remove for system maintenance and cleaning.
8. Look into grow tube through plant sites and verify that mist nozzles
STEP 6
align with sites. Adjust/turn cap as needed and press back into
place.
9. Take remaining 10" cap (no holes) and install on top of grow tube.
Seat in place with palm of your hand. Do not glue!
10. Install all 112710 uniseals in 10" grow tube. When installed
correctly, seals will seat tightly against outer surface of grow tube.
STEP 7 STEP 8
Verify that all seals
install tight against the
Top Cap
grow tube surface.
11. Set the grow tube assembly aside and continue with the next
procedure.
STEP 9 STEP 11
8 113700 Revision date: 01.10.18
Assembly Instructions—Install 111045 Elbows in Grow Tube
4
INSTALL 111045 ELBOWS IN GROW TUBE
Once grow tube is assembled, install all 111045 elbows. Wet the end of the 111045 elbow and insert it into
the 112710 uniseal. Install all elbows so open end points toward the plain cap at the top of grow tube. 111045

ATTENTION: Seat elbow tight against the uniseal to prevent leaks.
STEP 1 STEP 2
p
a
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n
ai
Pl
p/
To
d
ar
w
To
STEP 3 STEP 4
p
a
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n
ai
Pl
p/
To
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To
Verify that all elbows are seated tight against seal.
Grow tube sample shows
installed elbows with
growing plants.
Revision date: 01.10.18 113700 9
Assembly Instructions—Cut Drain Extension
5
CUT AND MARK DRAIN EXTENSION TUBE
Complete these steps:
1. Take the 3' section of 1" pvc tubing (WF4135Z3) and cut a 16" piece
from it.
1" PVC
36" length of 1" pvc
tube cut to 16".
2. Measure 3/8" in from one end of the 16" tube and mark the position.
1
6"
Tu
b
e
Mark the 16" tube at
3/8" from one end.
3. Set the tube aside to be used during the final assembly of system.
10 113700 Revision date: 01.10.18