Drip-n-Gro Dual Top Feed Drip System Instruction Manual

Transcription

1 Notes: Hydrogardening Bucket Systems Drip-n-Gro Dual Top Feed Drip System Instruction Manual 1 Square = 1 Foot Exclusively distributed by: Exclusively distributed by: Scan to access the assembly video. Revision G 01/07/2015 Flo-n-Gro Part# Scan to access the Flo-n-Gro website System shown with optional Grodan grow cubes.

2 Warnings & Cautions System Assembly Instructions System Test Instructions Operating Instructions Maintenance of the Drip-n-Gro System Read all instructions before operating the Drip-n-Gro system. Do not remove Gro sites when the system is cycling water, flooding will likely occur. Do not attempt to repair or service the Drip-n-Gro controller there are no serviceable parts and any tampering voids warranty. This controller is designed for Inside Use only. Avoid placing the controller near heat generating sources including CO 2 generators. Drip-n-Gro System Contents System Specifications Troubleshooting Tips Warranty Information Service and Repair Program Warnings & Cautions Use caution when using the Drip-n-Gro in extremely cold environments. DO NOT use this controller for purposes other than the unit was designed to function. Use controller within defined environmental specifications. Ask your local Dealer for tips and techniques regarding the use of this system. Be environmentally conscientious when disposing of any expended nutrient or growing products. System Assembly Instructions STEP 1- Organize the Parts Become familiar with your system components, organize your parts to make assembly easy, and complete the checklist below before beginning assembly. First, cut the Factory Seal to release lock lever and open the reservoir. NOTE: If Factory Seal is broken, immediately report to Dealer. Check QTY Part Description 1 55 gallon blue food grade water reservoir 1 Reservoir Valve assembly kit 1 foot 8 diameter LLDPE tubing 1 Drip-n-Gro Control module with proprietary manifold assembly & black EZ PULL end caps 1 Apollo 6-24 hour mechanical timer 1 High quality water pump 1 10 foot roll of ¾ black tubing 1 10 foot roll of 8 black tubing 12 4 inch feed line assembly with reducer elbow 6 Feed line assembly with flow adjusting clamp 6 Blue 4 gallon GRO buckets 6 Black mesh 2 gallon GRO inserts 6 7 inch black zip ties 6 ¾ tub outlet tee fittings 5 8 Click Clamps 4 21 inch pieces of 8 black tubing feed lines 4 24 inch pieces of ¾ black tubing return lines Service and Repair Program For all service and repairs, please contact by our Technical Service Representative for troubleshooting your system and attaining a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number, if applicable. All factory service & repairs will be completed within 48 hours of receipt of controller at the factory. Flo-n-Gro will, at its discretion, repair or replace the system or parts. WARRANTY SERVICE: Please read warranty information first If after reviewing the troubleshooting tips the unit will still not work, you should return it to the Dealer where you purchased it. They may be able to further evaluate the unit and test its various components and quite possibly will be able to identify and/or fix any problems. If the Dealer is unable to fix the unit, they will return it to us for factory repair. If there are no Dealers in your area, you may contact us directly for technical support. If we cannot help you resolve the problem over the phone, we will issue you a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number authorizing you to return the unit to us for factory reconditioning (if the controller is currently under warranty). Contact the number below for a RMA number and shipping address. Please complete the form below and include it with your unit, and write the RMA number clearly on the outside of the box. Please package the unit in its original packaging. If it is damaged in shipment we cannot be held responsible. Insuring the parcel is recommended. Once we receive the unit back, we will repair it within 48 hours (business) and return it to you freight prepaid via UPS ground shipment. Include the following if returning directly to Flo-n-Gro Proof of purchase This completed form RMA # on the outside of the box Return Merchandise Authorization Number (Required) Company Name: Contact Name: Address: Phone #: address: What is the nature of the problem? Shipping address will be given when the RMA # is issued. Hydrogardening Bucket Systems For technical assistance call us at

3 Assembly Instructions: Parts List Warranty Information Flo-n-Gro warrants the original purchase of this product against defects in material and workmanship under normal use for one (1) year from the date of purchase. During the warranty period, Flo-n-Gro will, at our option, and without charge, repair or replace this product if the controller or any of its components fail or malfunction. All returns or repairs must be accompanied by a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number prior to any service of the product. This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, including the warranties of merchantability and fitness for use, and of all other obligations or liabilities on the part of the seller. This warranty shall not apply to this product or any part thereof which had been damaged by accident, abuse, misuse, modification, negligence, alteration or misapplication. Controllers with serial numbers or date tags that have been removed, altered or obliterated; broken seals that show evidence of tampering; or nonconforming parts, are excluded from coverage. Flo-n-Gro makes no warranty whatsoever in respect to accessories or parts not supplied by Flo-n-Gro. Monetary refunds of the warranty will not be given. The Buyer assumes all responsibility regarding the proper use & installation of this system. All warranty service is provided through the Flo-n-Gro factory. This warranty shall apply only to the United States. Defective controllers are required to be returned with the proof of purchase/receipt for warranty coverage. For additional warranty information, contact the Flo-n-Gro Technical Service Representative at or your local Dealer. Our normal business hours are Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. We are closed most major holidays. 55 Gallon Reservoir Reservoir Valve Assembly Kit Apollo 6 Timer Water Pump Feed Line Assembly Feed Line Assembly w/ Reducer Elbow w/ Flow Clamp 4 Tub Outlet Tee Fitting Long 8 LLDPE Tubing 4 Black Tubing 4 Gallon Gro Bucket 8 Click Clamp 8 Black Tubing 2 Gallon Mesh Gro Insert Zip Tie 8 Black Tubing feed line 8 4 Black Tubing return line Actual Size 10 Drip-n-Gro Control Module 4

4 Everything checked off? If yes, proceed to STEP 2. If you are missing anything or have any questions or problems, please call the Technical Service phone line at Assembly Instructions, Continued STEP 2- Set-up and Assembly Arranging & Assembling Drip-n-Gro Buckets 1. Insert ¾ tub outlet tees into Drip-n-Gro sites. Make sure to have washers on both sides. (See Photo A) 2. Place the black mesh 60 short Gro inserts within the Drip-n-Gro sites.. Arrange Drip-n-Gro sites to match the lighting footprint of your garden. PHOTO A To DRAIN Your Drip-n-Gro System: Close valves on distribution manifolds by turning in the Up/Down position. (See Photo D1) Remove garden hose cover cap and install garden hose. (See Photo E1) Open drain valve on output and set Apollo 6 in ON position to drain system. (See Photo F1) When draining process is complete, close drain valve, remove garden hose and replace hose cover cap. Remember to wipe down all surfaces to clean and check to see that all residue and potential materials that may clog the system are removed. Your system is now ready for use. PHOTO D1 a. HINT: It is important to remember that the Drip-n-Gro sites must be at the same level as the Drip-n-Gro controller for the Drip-n-Gro system to operate properly. b. HINT: Consider locating your grow system close to a drain or available method of properly disposing of exhausted nutrient solutions. Suggested Garden Patterns: System Specifications Reservoir Size = 22 W x 6 H/ 55 US Gallons GRO Sites = 4 gallon GRO Inserts = 2 gallon - mesh black pots Total Weight of Drip-n-Gro System = 49 lbs. PHOTO E1 2 ft 8 ft 2 footprint Assembling Drip-n-Gro Controller 4. Set Drip-n-Gro Controller bucket on flat open surface. 5. Place water pump on it s side in bottom of Drip-n- Gro controller bucket using the included suction cup bracket. (See Photo B) Attach piece of ½ black tubing to pump output connection. (See Photo C) 6. Attach drain assembly (found inside of controller bucket) to ½ barbed tee fitting on back of distribution manifold. (See Photo D) 7. Drip-n-Gro controller bucket is now ready to attach to return & feed lines. 2 ft 2 ft 8 ft 2 footprint NOT RECOMMENDED! PHOTO B Drip-n-Gro Controller: Controller Size = 9.5 W x 9.5 D x 1 H Controller Weight = 2.25 lbs. Voltage Input = 120 Volts Maximum Amperage = 1 Amp Hertz = 60 Hz. Storage Temperature = 40 F (5 C) to 10 F (57 C) Operating Temperature = 60 F (16 C) to 95 F (5 C) System Pump = See pump package for specifications Troubleshooting Tips If your Drip-n-Gro system is not functioning as expected, try the following: Verify that your Drip-n-Gro is clean and free of debris such as roots and grow media. Check to see that you ve got 120 Volt power to your system. If your pump is making noise but not pumping water, prime the pump by leaning it from side to side to release bubbles trapped in the pump. This may be needed if your pump has run dry or your using it for the first time. PHOTO F1 Don t allow the Drip-n-Gro System to run dry, try to keep the reservoir a minimum of 50% full. Go to for more tips and techniques for operating this system. PHOTO C PHOTO D Call Technical Service Representative at for more assistance if required. 4 9

5 NOTE: EZ pull end caps allow you to expand and contract your Drip-n-Gro System and are necessary to prevent flooding. DO NOT DISCARD EZ PULL END CAPS. Maintenance of the Drip-n-Gro System PHOTO E PHOTO F Connecting Drip-n-Gro Controller to the Return Lines 8. Remove one of the 4 black EZ Pull end caps from one of the Drip-n-Gro output fittings (they are located at the bottom of the Drip-n-Gro controller). (See Photo E) 9. Cut a length of 4 black tubing matching the desired distance between the Drip-n-Gro controller and the first Gro site. 10. Connect the first end of the cut tubing to the now exposed output fitting. 11. Connect the second end of the cut tubing to the ¾ tub outlet tee on the first GRO site. (See Photo F) 12. Repeat above process for each ¾ return line to each front GRO site. 1. Now connect 24 pre-cut ¾ return lines between each of the tub outlet tees on the back GRO sites to connect to the system. (See Photo G) 14. After all return lines have been attached, connect the removed EZ pull end caps to the now exposed output fittings at the end of each ¾ return line. (See Photo H) PHOTO G PHOTO Z 1. Fill each GRO site 2 inches from the top with your choice of hydroponic growing media. 2. When transplanting, place the top of the transplant cube approximately 2 inches under the surface of the grow media.. Fill the reservoir with your choice of balanced hydroponic nutrient solution. 4. For longer periods between maintenance, fill the reservoir completely. 5. Set the desired time for the feeding cycle by pushing the 15 minute segment down. Follow instructions on face of timer. (See Photo Y) For 6 site push in one 15 minute segment 2 times per day. a. Recommended feeding schedule: First feeding one hour after lights come on and second feeding 2 hours before lights go off. Do not over water. b. Depending on your grow media, you may need to adjust your feeding schedule. Check with your local Dealer for more information. c. DO NOT feed during nighttime hours, your plants need to rest! 6. Set the timer to the correct time of day by aligning the black triangle to the corresponding time of day. (See Photo Z) 7. The system will now begin to water your garden based on your Apollo 6 timer settings. PHOTO Y Operation Instructions PHOTO C1 8 5 PHOTO H PHOTO I To Insure Proper Function: Clean the drain filter on pump regularly. (See Photo A1) Check the tubing for any cracks or kinks. Verify that the float switch in the Drip-n-Gro controller is clean and free of debris. (See Photo B1) Occasionally wipe down the inside of the Drip-nGro controller and the reservoir with a soft cloth to remove debris. (See Photo C1) Regularly run system cleaner through your Dripn-Gro system to clean the tubing and avoid clogging. Connecting Drip-n-Gro Controller to the Feed Lines 15. Attach feed line assembly through keyholes in black mesh insert on all GRO sites and connect to feed line assembly with flow adjust clamp. (See Photo I) 16. Remove one of the 8 black EZ Pull end caps from one of the Drip-n-Gro output fittings (they are located at the bottom of the Drip-n-Gro controller). (See Photo J) 17. Cut a length of 8 black tubing matching the desired distance between the Drip-n-Gro controller and the first Gro site. 18. Connect the first end of the cut tubing to the now exposed output fitting. (See Photo J) 19. Connect the second end of the cut tubing to the 8 tub outlet tee on the first GRO site. (See Photo K, page 6) 20. Repeat above process for each 8 feed line to each front GRO site. 21. Now connect 21 pre-cut 8 feed lines between each of the feed line assemblies on the back GRO sites to connect to the system. (See Photo L, page 6) 22. After all feed lines have been attached, connect the PHOTO J In between water changes, you can top off your reservoir by adding water or a reduced strength nutrient solution. PHOTO B1 The nutrient solution in your reservoir will need to be changed every 7 to 12 days based on your plants requirements. PHOTO A1 NOTE: Flooding will occur if you fail to cap each return line end.

6 removed EZ Pull end caps to the now exposed output fittings at the end of each 8 feed line. (See Photo M) System Test Instructions PHOTO L Connecting Reservoir to the Drip-n-Gro Controller 24. Locate the reservoir where it will be easy to fill and within feet of the Drip-n-Gro controller. (See Photo N) 25. Elevate reservoir approximately 4 inches. (Use stable material such as cinder block or wood) This will keep the water pressure constant and will drain reservoir to lowest level. (See Photo O) 26. Insert ¾ uni-seal barrel grommet into the base of the blue reservoir. (See Photo P) 27. Lubricate (vegetable oil is preferred) the reservoir valve assembly and insert into grommet. (See Photo Q) 28. Fit first end of foot section of 8 LLDPE tubing into press fitting of reservoir valve assembly. (See Photo R) 29. Then connect second end of the 8 LLDPE tubing to the Drip-n-Gro controller by inserting into float valve assembly and tighten compression nut. (See Photo S) PHOTO M NOTE: Float valve may be adjusted using the wing nut to raise or lower the water level in the GRO sites. (See Photo U) PHOTO N NOTE Float valve activates only when water is required to top off your GRO sites. 5. To DRAIN your Drip-n-Gro System: a. Close valves on distribution manifolds by turning dial to up position off line. (See Photo V) b. Remove garden hose cover cap and install garden hose. (See Photo W) c. Open drain valve on output and set Apollo 6 in ON position to drain system. (See Photo X) d. When draining process is complete, close drain valve, remove garden hose and replace hose cover cap. Remember to wipe down all surfaces to clean and check to see that all residue and potential materials that may clog the system are removed. e. Your system is now ready for use. If you have successfully conducted the Pre-Use Test, proceed to operation. 6 PHOTO S PHOTO R PHOTO Q PHOTO X PHOTO P PHOTO O NOTE: Finger tighten, DO NOT use a tool and over tighten. Doing so will cause float assembly to leak. PHOTO U 2. Use 7 zip ties to secure 4 and 8 tubing between each feed line assembly with flow adjusting clamp. PHOTO V NOTE: Flooding will occur if you fail to cap each return line end. 1. Double check each fitting for secure fit to prevent leaks! 2. Fill reservoir with warm water only. (The warm water will relax the tubing ) a. Do not put growing media in the mesh pots, as you need to watch the water levels. b. Do not put your valuable nutrients in, you may have to drain and adjust something.. Plug Apollo 6 into a 120 Volt power source. 4. Plug pump into Apollo 6 and put Apollo 6 in the ON position. (See Photo T) a. You should hear the pump begin to operate. b. Water level should be a minimum of ½ below bottom of black mesh insert. PHOTO W PHOTO K NOTE: EZ Pull end caps allow you to expand and contract your Drip-n-Gro System and are necessary to prevent flooding. DO NOT DISCARD EZ PULL END CAPS. PHOTO T Suggested System Pre-Use Test 7