112534 polymax® h2-24 dutch bucket system · typical 112534 dutch bucket system layout the 112534...

1Revision date: 05.13.20

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112534 PolyMax® H2-24 Dutch Bucket System

Versatile PolyMax® Dutch Buckets are ideal for both small- and large-scale hydroponic growing.

PolyMax® Dutch Buckets *Actual system may differ.

2 112534 Revision date: 05.13.20

TOOLS

The following list identifies the tools needed to assemble the Dutch bucket system described within this guide. Additional tools may be needed depending on the application.

• Tape measure and gloves.

• Marker to mark locations on PVC tubing and frame.

• Variable speed drill (cordless with extra batteries works best).

• 5/16" drill bit

• 1", 1-3/8", and 2-1/4" hole saws

READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR 112534 DUTCH BUCKET SYSTEM.

This guide provides helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble and properly maintain the 112534 PolyMax H2-24 Dutch Bucket System. Read and understand this guide before you begin.

Important Information

SAMPLE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

The steps outlining the sample table system assembly process are as follows:

1. Verify that all parts are included in the shipment. Notify customer service for questions or concerns.

2. Read these instructions and all additional documentation included with the shipment before you begin.

3. Gather the tools and assistants needed to assemble the product.

BASIC CARE AND MAINTENANCE

Proper care and maintenance of your system is important. Check the following items periodically to properly maintain your Dutch bucket system.

• Check connections to verify that they remain tight.

• Verify that the pump is working properly.

• Check and clean all filters to optimize performance.

• Clean the reservoir periodically to prevent unwanted contamination of solution.

• Monitor temperatures (room and solution) to maximize plant growth.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

• Apply PVC primer and cement in a well-ventilated area. Follow all instructions on containers.

• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) when working with electric power tools and cords. Use battery-powered tools if possible.

• Exercise caution when using all tools.

• Wear gloves and eye protection when drilling and cutting.

UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS

The following steps will ensure that you have all the necessary parts before you begin assembly.

1. Unpack the contents of the shipment and place where you can easily inventory the parts. Refer to the Bill of Materials/Spec Sheets.

2. Verify that all parts listed on the Bill of Materials/Spec Sheets are present. If anything is missing or you have questions, contact Customer Service.

WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL CORDS AND CONNECTIONS OUT OF THE RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES OF A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY CONNECT THE PUMP TO A POWER SUPPLY.

ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.

ATTENTION: Install fittings so they are fully inserted into the 3/4" tubing. Use a hair dryer to gently heat the tubing for easier installation. Do not overheat! Tube will melt!

Use pliers to gently squeeze ratchet clamps around tubing.

Warm tube with a hair dryer for easier assembly. Do not overheat!

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Important InformationPICTORIAL GUIDE

Use the following graphics and photos to identify the parts of the system. Consult the Quick Start Guide for additional details and diagrams.

110407Dripper Stake

110725 Air Pump

109260 Air Stone

1107433mm Punch

112531 Heavy Duty Timer (1)

111698 Ratchet Clamp

WR1095Tape

Plastic Pipe & Tube CutterAC2804

MH1123

110410Woodpecker Drippers

WF3415WF3420

113696111303

2-Way Manifold

WF2392

WF2350

WR4067WF8582

WF2190 WF1380WF1390

ATTENTION: This is a drain-to-waste Dutch bucket system. As such, it requires a drain or tank to capture the nutrient solution that drains from each Dutch bucket.

Disposal of nutrient solution may be regulated in your area. Consult the services of a professional familiar with local and regional codes to ensure proper disposal of waste solution.

WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW THE PUMP TO RUN WHILE RESERVOIR IS EMPTY. DAMAGE TO PUMP WILL OCCUR. MONITOR NUTRIENT LEVEL AT ALL TIMES.

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Important Information

111049 Perlite

WF1982

PICTORIAL PARTS GUIDE—CONTINUED

WF6692 WF3316 WF1570111045 WF2193 111074

Siphon ElbowDutch Bucket1116273/4" White Polyethylene Tubing

1104081/8" White Polyethylene Tubing

113583 Flotec Utility Pump

110091 Clear Vinyl Tubing

WF1030 with 112066 Shut-Off Valve

CAUTION: Do not activate pump without first priming it. Doing so will damage the pump! Consult all documentation included with the pump before you begin.

WF6990PVC Cement and

113372 Purple Primer

PVC PRIMER & CEMENT

Follow all directions printed on pvc primer and cement containers. Purple color of primer does not fade! Use caution during application to reduce spills and over application at joints. Prime all joints before assembly.

5Revision date: 05.13.20 112534

Typical 112534 Dutch Bucket System LayoutThe 112534 Dutch Bucket system is typically set up as shown. Minor changes are possible depending on the available space and position of the drain. In this example, the drain end of each 1-1/2" pvc tube is opposite the reservoir. If a single floor drain is used, additional pvc tube and fittings may be needed to achieve the desired results. Contact your sales representative for additional details and to purchanse additional materials if needed.

ATTENTION: Consult the Layout Diagrams on the next pages for additional layout suggestions. Actual tank may differ from examples shown. Adjust layout as needed to setup system in available space. Purchase additional materials if layout differs from any examples shown.

Follow these steps to assemble and set up your Dutch bucket system:

1. Determine and prepare the area where the system will be operating. Estimated system footprint is 8' x 24'. Length depends on reservoir position.

2. Follow the procedures as presented. Procedures can be completed simultaneously depending on available assistants.

3. Partially fill reservoir and test system.

4. Mix nutrient solution, fill buckets with growing medium, and add plants.

5. Set timer and monitor operation.

ATTENTION: This is a drain-to-waste Dutch bucket system. As such, it requires a drain or tank to capture the nutrient solution that drains from each Dutch bucket.

Disposal of nutrient solution may be regulated in your area. Consult the services of a professional familiar with local and regional codes to ensure proper disposal of waste solution.

WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW THE PUMP TO RUN WHILE RESERVOIR IS EMPTY. DAMAGE TO PUMP WILL OCCUR. MONITOR NUTRIENT LEVEL AT ALL TIMES.

Position the first drain hole 9" in from the capped end of the pvc drain tube.

Space the two 1 1/2" drain tubes at 72" (maximum).

Space the drain holes for the Dutch buckets 18" apart.

18"

9"

9"

72" 115 Gallon Reservoir

Open/Drain End

Open/Drain End

Pump

Timer

Air Pump

To Power Supply

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Alternative Dutch Bucket System Layout

For systems that inclued the 115 gallon 36"W x 84"L reservoir, the layout above is another way to reduce the system footprint for smaller greenhouses. Consult the diagram on the next page for another example.

ATTENTION: Customizing the layout of this system may require the purchase of additional fittings and tubing. Contact your sales representative for additional details and to purchanse additional materials if needed.

Timer

Air Pump115 Gallon Reservoir Pump

To Power Supply

See dimensions noted on previous page.

To Power Supply

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For systems that inclued the 115 gallon 36"W x 84"L reservoir, the layout above is another way to reduce the system footprint.

ATTENTION: Customizing the layout of this system may require the purchase of additional fittings and tubing. Contact your sales representative for additional details and to purchanse additional materials if needed.

To complete the assembly for this layout, additional purchase is required for 1" pvc elbows and 1" pvc tubing. (See A's in diagram above.) The amount of additional 1" pvc tubing depends on how overall layout is completed. Contact your sales representative to purchase additional WF1570 elbows, or purchase 1" pvc elbows and 1" pvc tubing locally.

Alternative Dutch Bucket System Layout

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A

A A

A

A

A

Timer

Air Pump

115 Gallon Reservoir

Pum

p

To Power Supply

To Power Supply

See dimensions noted on previous page.

TOP VIEW

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1. Connect two pieces of the WF4140 1-1/2" pvc using one WF1982 coupling. Seal joint using pvc primer and cement and allow to dry.

2. With assistance, snap a chalk line along the top, center of the pvc assembly to mark the drain hole positions from end-to-end.

1 MARK AND DRILL BUCKET DRAIN HOLES

Required Tools:

• Drill with a 1" hole saw. Example shows using a step bit. Keep holes aligned and uniform.

• Marker, chalk line, and tape measure

3. Next measure 9" in from one end and mark the position on the chalk line.

4. From the 9" line measure 18" and mark that position.

5. Continue marking hole locations at 18" intervals working toward the other end of the drain tube. Mark twelve (12) hole locations in all–one for each Dutch bucket in the first row.

6. Take a 1" hole saw and drill the 12 drain holes in the pvc drain tube. Keep all holes aligned and centered on the chalk line.

7. After drilling the holes, clean all debris from inside the drain tube and from around the drain holes.

8. Take one MH1123 slip cap and slide it over the end of the drain tube assembly. Do not cement the cap. It is removed when drain tube is cleaned.

9. Repeat these steps to create the remaining drain tube assembly.

Complete these steps:

STEP 8

DO NOT CEMENT CAP.

MH1123Slip Cap

Drain Tube

18" 9"18"

Spacing for 1" Holes

WF4140 PVC Tube

WF1982 Coupling — Seal using pvc primer and cement.

Chalk Line

Capped EndDrain

End

Assembly Instructions—Drain Tube Preparation

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2Assembly Instructions—Dutch Bucket Preparation

ASSEMBLE AND INSTALL SIPHON ELBOWS

Siphon Elbow

21

3 4 6

Drain Tube

Complete these steps:

1. Position the drain tubes on the floor of the growing area for your system. Use the diagram below or on page 5 for proper spacing. Position the open end of tubes so they empty into the drain.

2. Assemble the siphon elbows as shown. Two (2) elbows are used for each assembly.

3. Take the elbow assembly and install one inside each Dutch bucket.

4. Using the diagram below or on page 5, set each Dutch bucket in place. Use 12 buckets for each row. Verify that each bucket drain nipple is inserted in the drain hole of the pvc drain tube.

5. Continue with the next procedure.

TYPICAL DUTCH BUCKET LAYOUT

5 Insert drain nipple into drain hole of pvc tube.

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3Assembly Instructions—Reservoir Preparation

DRILL RESERVOIR LID

Drill 5/16" Holes for the Air Pump Tubing

1. Take a 5/16" drill bit and drill two holes through the lid in the raised area. See photo below for location.

2. Remove all debris from the lid and around all holes to prevent it from dropping into the reservoir when lid is set in place. Actual lid may differ slightly from what is shown above.

Drill 1-3/8" Return Supply Tube Holes

1. Move lid off reservoir. Do not drill with lid on reservoir. Debris will contaminate solution and clog pump during operation.

Two 1-3/8" holes are required for the angled return supply tubes. In addition, two 5/16" holes are required to connect the air pump to the air stones inside the reservoir. Complete the procedures below to drill the required holes.

2. Use a 1-3/8" hole saw bit to drill two holes in the lid in the locations shown. See photos. Drill holes in center of raised portion.

x x

Photo shows sample reservoir with holes in the lid. Actual lid and reservoir may differ.

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1. Take the reservoir and drill the bulkhead fitting hole using a 2-1/4" hole saw bit. Review photos and diagrams for position. ATTENTION: Use the pump to determine the hole position on the reservoir. Set the pump and reservoir on the same level surface and use the diagram on the next page to mark the bulkhead location on the reservoir. Adjust as needed to ensure the entire bulkhead fitting is against the flat surface of the reservoir. Dashed line outlines area for bulkhead fitting.

2. Attach the WF2392 bushing and 111303 screen to the threaded body of the bulkhead fitting. Hand tighten until snug.

3. Attach the bulkhead assembly to the reservoir. Hex nut and thin flat washer are outside the reservoir. Tighten until snug using large adjustable pliers.

4. Continue with the next procedure.

WF2392 Bushing

111303 Screen

Inside reservoir photo showing fittings.

Install rubber seal inside reservoir.

3 DRILL RESERVOIR AND INSTALL BULKHEAD AND RELATED FITTINGS

Install hex nut and flat washer outside reservoir.

WF8582 Bulkhead Fitting Installed

Assembly Instructions—Reservoir Preparation

WF8582

Sample Reservoir

Step 1 Identify hole position. Use inlet side of pump to determine the center of the bulkhead fitting. REMEMBER: Entire bulkhead must remain within the flat surface of the reservoir.

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Assembly Instructions—Plumbing

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112549

WF3316

WF3316

WF1380

WF1380

111045

111045

WF1570

112548

WF1380

WF1030

113583

Use the diagram below and on the next two (2) pages to construct the nutrient supply manifold and connect the pump to the reservoir and the manifold to the pump. It is best to assemble the manifold and related parts in the area where the system will be operating.

ATTENTION: Do not attempt to move the system after attaching the pump to the reservoir and the manifold to the pump. Damage to the components may occur.

See steps and digarms on the next pages.

4 ASSEMBLE SUPPLY MANIFOLD AND CONNECT PUMP TO RESERVOIR

WF6990PVC Cement

&113372 PVC

Primer

WR1095Tape

ATTENTION: Diagram is presented to display the plumbing components. Actual tank may differ from the example shown.

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Use the following steps as guides during assembly:

1. Gather all the components and pvc tubing shown above and on the previous page and assemble the supply manifold.

2. Dry fit all connections before you secure using pvc primer and cement. Apply WR1095 tape to all threaded fittings before assembly. Apply tape in a direction that will unwind when fittings are connected.

3. After constructing the manifold, assemble the plumbing, pump, and reservoir.

ASSEMBLE SUPPLY MANIFOLD AND CONNECT PUMP TO RESERVOIR—continued4Assembly Instructions—Plumbing

1" PVC 1" PVC

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WF3316 WF3316

WF1380

WF1390WF1380 WF1380

WF2190

WF1030

WR4067112549 Reservoir

Lid

112548 Reservoir

1" PVC

WF2350WF2350

WF2190WF3420

Align the WF1380 tee fittings with the center of the hole in the reservoir. See dashed lines above.

WF1380WF1380

TOP VIEW OF LID AND SUPPLY MANIFOLD

WF6990PVC Cement

&113372 PVC Purple Primer

WR1095Tape

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CONNECT PLUMBING TO RESERVOIR AND PUMP5Assembly Instructions—Connect Pump and Manifold to Reservoir

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1. Connect pump to the reservoir. Position pump as close to the reservoir as possible with all components installed.

2. Connect main manifold to pump. Cut the vertical 1" pvc tube to a length that positions the manifold at or below the top of the reservoir.

3. Assemble and connect diagonal return lines to main manifold. Length depends on pump position.

4. Measure, cut, and connect 1" pvc tubes to manifold. See next page for dimensions.

WF1570 (x2)

113696

WF3415

WF21931" PVC

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Vertical 1" PVC Tube

ATTENTION: Actual tank may differ from the example shown.

WF6990PVC Cement

&113372 PVC Purple Primer

WR1095Tape

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Assembly Instructions—3/4" Supply Lines to Dutch Buckets

INSTALL THE 3/4" SUPPLY LINES (111627B) TO DUTCH BUCKETS6Using the diagram below, set the buckets and drain tubes in position. Construct the long 3/4" supply tubes for each row. Connect each 3/4" tube to the supply manifold using WF6692 elbows and 111074 adapters. At the end of each 3/4" supply tube (opposite the reservoir) install a AC2804 valve. Secure all 3/4" tube and fitting connections using the 111698 ratchet clamps.

The main 3/4" supply tube runs along the tops of each row of Dutch buckets.

111074

WF6692111698 Ratchet

Clamp

Plastic Pipe & Tube Cutter

Install valve in the end of each 3/4" main supply tube. Secure with a ratchet clamp.

AC2804

Space the two 1 1/2" drain tubes at 72" (maximum). 72"

Cut 1" pvc tube as needed and cement to outlet tubes of supply manifold.

Drawing not to scale.

Reservoir

16 112534 Revision date: 05.13.20

Assembly Instructions—Drippers and Stakes

7Complete these steps:

1. Determine the length of drip line tubing (110408A) required for each bucket and cut the tubing to length. Two (2) lines are needed per bucket (A & B). Slide one dripper stake (110407) onto the end of each line. See note to the right.

2. Take the 2-way manifolds and attach one to each 110410 dripper (C).

3. Attach the dripper line assemblies (Step 1) to the 2-way manifolds (D & E).

4. Determine where you want to position the dripper assemblies. Punch a hole in the 3/4" supply line for each assembly using the 110743 punch (F).

5. Carefully install the drippers. Push the tapered nipple into the hole. Gently grip the body of each dripper assembly and gently pull up to seat the fitting in the supply line (G & H). Wet tapered end for easier installation. ATTENTION: Dripper location can be above each bucket or between the buckets depending on preference, application, and length of tubing.

INSTALL DRIPPERS, 2-WAY MANIFOLDS, & DRIPPER STAKES,NOTE: Determine dripper location before you cut tubing.

CB

E

A D

F G H

17Revision date: 05.13.20 112534

8For optimal system performance and to extend the life of the nutrient solution through increased oxygenation, an aerator pump and aerator stones are included. Position stones at the bottom of the reservoir opposite the water pump. Air pump must remain above nutrient level to prevent siphoning.

1. Choose a position for the air pump and use it to determine the length of each air tube. Cut two air tubes from the 110091 tubing. ATTENTION: Position the air pump at a level that is above the reservoir at all times to prevent siphoning of the nutrient solution from the reservoir.

2. Attach one stone to each line and set the stones in the reservoir. See photo for stone position opposite the water pump.

3. Place the reservoir lid on the reservoir and feed the tubing up through the access holes and connect the free end of each tube to the air pump.

ATTENTION: Always position the air pump above the reservoir/water level to prevent siphoning of the reservoir.

ATTACH THE AIR PUMP AND AERATOR STONES

Attach 110091 tube to air stone.

109260 Air Stone

4. Place the air pump in the position chosen in Step 1.

5. Connect the air pump to power and test the operation. Verify that air is filtering through each air stone. Monitor the air pump regularly to ensure proper operation of the aerator system. NOTE: When the system is fully operational, the air pump will run continuously. Do not connect the air pump to any circuit controlled by a timer or shutoff switch.

6. After testing air flow, turn off the aerator pump until the system is fully functional.

ATTENTION: Position stones opposite the pump end of the reservoir.

Air Stones

Assembly Instructions—Air Pump & Air Stones

110725

18 112534 Revision date: 05.13.20

OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATIONGeneral Operating Instructions

After assembling the 112534 Dutch bucket system, take a few minutes to check the system. Complete these steps.

1. Verify that all electrical cord ends are outside the reservoir.

2. Place all dripper stakes inside a Dutch bucket and verify that all bucket drain nipples are inside a drain tube hole.

3. Verify that all WF3316 ball valves are fully open.

4. Verify that both AC2804 in-line valves and the shut-off valves on each filter are closed.

5. Fill the reservoir with water to cover the pump intake.

6. Plug the air pump into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet. Look for bubbles in the reservoir to verify that the air is pumping to each air stone. Remember to always mount the air pump on a surface that is above the water level. Vibrations of the pump can cause it to move. Make sure the pump does not fall into the reservoir or other liquids.

7. Consult the pump documentation and prime the pump. After pump is primed, allow it to run until water flows into the tank out of the bypass lines. If water does not flow, stop and reprime the pump.

General Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions

For optimal performance and to increase yields, check and clean the Dutch bucket system periodically. Time between maintenance and cleaning depends on the growing environment and specific use of the system. Apply the following steps as needed to ensure that your system is working properly.

1. Disconnect the main power supply to turn off all pumps. Remove the reservoir lid and inspect the inside of the reservoir. Reservoir should be cleaned each time the nutrient solution is replenished. Keep the porthole cover in place during operation to prevent light from entering the reservoir.

2. Check all plumbing and irrigation connections to ensure that all are operating as designed.

3. Replace worn or cracked irrigation lines and drippers as needed.

4. Clean the drain tubes if needed. Remove the end cap and inspect the inside of the tube. Clean the drain tube by pulling a brush or cloth through the tube. Rinse with clean water and reposition the drain tube for operation.

5. With the pump off, disassemble the filters and clean the screen and housing. Reassemble for use.

6. See the procedures on the next pages for details.

8. Check each Dutch bucket to ensure that water is dripping from each dripper stake. See next page for pressure adjustments.

9. Check all plumbing connections—supply and drain tubes—for leaks.

10. Check all pvc fittings for leaks.

11. Once air is out of the lines and water drips from each dripper, turn off the pump.

12. Once the system has been checked and all adjustments are made, it is ready for use.

WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL CORDS AND CONNECTIONS OUT OF THE RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES OF A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY CONNECT THE PUMPS TO A POWER SUPPLY.

ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES AND STANDARDS.

112531 Heavy Duty Timer

USING THE 112531 TIMER

The 112531 timer allows for a variety of settings to control the water pump of your Dutch bucket system.

Consult the guide supplied with the 112531 timer for installation, use, programing, and troubleshooting details.

NOTE: Do not connect the air pump to the timer. Air pump must run continuously when system is in operation.

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OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION

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SETTING THE SYSTEM PRESSURE

The 110410 Woodpecker drippers (below) require a minimum of 7 psi for operation. Operating pressure range is 7 psi to 45 psi. To prevent damage to the drippers, do not exceed 45 psi.

After checking the system and ensuring that all components are functioning, check the pressure. Pressure can be increased or decreased by opening and closing the WF3316 ball valves. Pressures for each bank of Dutch buckets should be similar. Adjust ball valves to change the pressure and bypass flow.

REMEMBER: Valves work together. Adjust as needed to get the desired system operating psi and bypass flow. Mark valve positions if desired to reset after performing system maintenance.

110410Woodpecker Drippers

WF3316

B

A

B

Valves A: Use these valves to isolate either side of the system during routine maintenance, cleaning, and changing filters. They can also be used to take either side of the system out of production.

Valves B: Use these valves to control pressure. For best results, valves should remain at least half open. This maximizes aeration and flow to the reservoir to stir settled nutrients and keeps the psi within the desired range of drippers. Recommended operating system pressure is 10-20 psi. Adjust as needed to achieve this range.


20 112534 Revision date: 05.13.20

ATTENTION: SYSTEM SHOWN DIFFERS FROM ACTUAL SYSTEM. FILTER ASSEMBLY IS THE SAME. STEPS FOR CLEANING RESERVOIR ARE THE SAME.


Clean the reservoir periodically to maximize plant growth and to minimize system contamination. The steps that follow can be used to pump the reservoir for cleaning and typical maintenance. Cleaning the filter is strongly recommended after cleaning the reservoir.

RESERVOIR CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE

1. Turn off pump and connect a garden hose to the shutoff valve on filter. Place end of hose in a bucket or run it to the desired location.

2. Open the shutoff valve on the filter and turn the pump on to pump out the reservoir. Turn off the pump once the reservoir is empty.

3. Clean the reservoir as needed and repeat the steps to pump it out again if needed. Close the shutoff valve.

4. Remove the hose and clean the filter. See next page for procedure.

5. Refill the reservoir with nutrient solution.

6. Turn on pump and check dripper stakes to ensure they are working. Clean if needed.

112066 Shutoff Valve

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Clean filters ensure proper flow. Filters should also be cleaned after cleaning reservoir to remove sediment. When a reduced flow rate or drop in pressure is noticed, follow these steps to clean filters and filter housings.

ATTENTION: SYSTEM SHOWN DIFFERS FROM ACTUAL SYSTEM. FILTER ASSEMBLY IS THE SAME. STEPS FOR CLEANING THE FILTER ARE THE SAME.

Clean the Filter Screen and Housing

1. Turn off pump. Open valve on the filter to drain the supply line and filter.

2. Grip the filter housing and the main supply line and unscrew the housing. Do not apply force to the filter or the supply line fittings. Hold these steady when disassembling the filter.

3. Remove the screen from the housing. Using clean water, rinse the housing and the screen.

4. Insert the screen back into the housing, reassemble the filter, and close the valve.

5. Turn on pump and check flow to each bucket.

6. Check filter for leaks.

Flow Flow

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FLUSH THE 3/4" SUPPLY LINES In addition to cleaning the reservoir, periodically flush the 3/4" lines that supply nutrient solution to the two rows of Dutch buckets. Complete these steps:

1. Turn off the pump.

2. After cleaning the reservoir and the filters as described, add clean water to the reservoir to cover the pump intake.

3. Close the WF3316 ball valves as needed to direct water to one row of the Dutch buckets.

4. Open the AC2804 in-line valve at the end of that row.

5. Clear the area around the end of the line or hold a bucket over the 3/4" line. NOTE: Pressurized water will stream out of the line. Take the necessary steps to contain the water as needed.

6. Turn on the pump and allow water to flow through the line to flush it.

7. Turn off pump and check water level in the reservoir. Add water if needed.

8. Set the WF3316 valves as needed to direct water to the other row of buckets.

9. Repeat the steps to flush that line.

10. Verify that both AC2804 valves are closed and refill the reservior with nutrient solution.

11. Turn on the pump, adjust ball valves as needed, and monitor the system to ensure it is operating as desired.

WF3316

AC2804 at the end of each 3/4" supply tube.


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Open or close A valves to direct water to one row of buckets to flush lines.

Close B valves to prevent water flow to reservoir to flush lines.

BB

A


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The easy-to-use 110407 stakes are perfect for even and consistent nutrient delivery.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

After filling the buckets with the selected growing medium, determine what nutrient solution is needed for your plants and mix this according to the instructions on the mixture. Mixture will be specific to system, the reservoir size, and the plants grown.

ATTENTION: Water quality affects the nutrient solution. Testing the water supply is strongly recommended before you mix the nutrient solution. In some instances and for best results, it may be necessary to treat the water supply. Consult the services of a water quality professional to determine the condition of the water and how to treat it (if necessary) before you begin.

Add your desired plants to the buckets.

Set the stakes inside each bucket and turn on the circulation pump. Check each stake to ensure that water flows freely from each. Turn off the pump.

Gently push the stake into the growing medium.

DRIPPER STAKES—GETTING STARTED

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OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES*

Depending on the plant and application, using 110010 Tomato RollerHook® Assemblies and the 110006 or 110007 clips can save time and labor.

The RollerHook® components are easily assembled by slipping the spool between the wire ends of the hanger. Position the spool so the lock is next to the lowest part of the wire spring. See the photos below.

After assembling each, consult the following page to view installation photos using the 110010 assemblies and the 110006/110007 clips.

*Additional purchase required: Contact your sales representative to purchase Tomato RollerHook® Assemblies for your Dutch bucket recovery system.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES—ADDITIONAL PURCHASE REQUIRED

ATTENTION: Photo to the right shows the spool incorrectly installed in the wire hanger.

When installed this way, the spool lock slides under the lock spring of the handle. As a result, the cord will unravel from the spool. The installation steps below show the correct orientation.

Incorrect

Correct

32 51 4

Spool Lock

25Revision date: 05.13.20 112534

INSTALLING THE 110010 TOMATO ROLLERHOOK® ASSEMBLY*

As plants mature, it may become necessary to provide adequate support. The 110010 Tomato RollerHook® Assembly used with the 110006 or 110007 tomato clips provide the perfect support system, saving you time and money.

1. Hang the assembled RollerHook® from a wire, cable, or frame member above the Dutch bucket system.

2. Pull cord from the spool so it reaches the desired Dutch bucket.

3. Take one 110006 or 110007 clip, wrap it around the stem of the plant, feed the cord into the hinged part of the clip, and snap the clip closed to lock cord in place.

4. Move back to the cord spool and tighten to remove slack. To prevent plant damage, do not overtighten. As the plant grows, add additional clips as needed for support.

321 4


*Additional purchase required: Contact your sales representative to purchase Tomato RollerHook® Assemblies for your Dutch bucket recovery system.

26 112534 Revision date: 05.13.20

Photo shows using the 110010 RollerHook® Assembly.


27Revision date: 05.13.20 112534

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