EcoLet 25e, Owner'S Manual

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In the first week
• Monitor the main composting chamber every day
– The bulking agent should be porous and have a moderately moist texture; the ideal
moisture content for compost is 60%.
– The mixing arm should automatically activate after every use because of the micro
switches.
• The collection tray will be full of the dry bulking agent that you used in setting the system
up for use. Empty this back into the main composting chamber (it’s the equivalent of
“turning” a compost pile by making more room at the base for the compost to fall)
• Once you have some solid waste in your composting chamber you can start to introduce
your microbes (refer to microbes instructions). This is a crucial step as it is a closed system
so there is no guarantee these microbes will occur naturally to compost your waste; without
them you’re just collecting waste.
• Add a handful of bulking agent for every solid deposit you do – or approximately 1L once a
week, based on full time usage.
• Check the fluid level indicator tube on the side of the unit (#28)
– If the liquid in the tube is increasing, turn the thermostat up one click to aid
evaporation.
– The thermostat setting may vary depending on the usage patterns and climate.
– Adjust the dial according to use.
Level in the liquid tube
The liquid tube (on the right hand side, viewed from the front. #28) shows how much liquid
there is in the tray. The tube should never be full; this means the tray is full of liquid. Half full of
liquid in the tube is alright, but should be monitored. You can use a permanent marker to mark
the liquid tube at your ideal level.
Correct setting
At the correct setting, the compost has a porous and moderately moist consistency. If liquid
stays on top of the compost and seeps into the tray slowly, then the compost is too wet and
can no longer absorb the liquid as intended. Increase the setting and add a few litres of
humus starter. On the other hand, if hard lumps form or toilet paper remains on top, so that it
doesn’t get soaked and mixed in properly during mixing, the compost is too dry. If so, turn the
setting down and sprinkle about half a litre of water over the compost.