Testing and adjusting the pH (acidity) of the nutrients & water
The pH of the reservoir contents should be maintained at between 6.2 and 7.2
Repeat pH tests frequently in hard water areas and weekly or fortnightly in softwater areas, use
greenhouse
sensation
™ pH down if necessary.
To check the pH using the greenhouse
sensation
™ acidity kit supplied:
1. Take a 2ml sample from the reservoir in the phial provided. REMEMBER to switch off the
pump and heater before placing hands in the tank.
2. Add 2 drops of reagent to the phial.
3. Shake the phial gently and compare the colour with the test card to determine the pH.
The desired pH is anywhere between 6.2 and 7.2 if the test is green the pH is fi ne .
If the test shows blue (with no trace of green) it needs to be adjusted down. Use the greenhouse
sensation
™ pH down and the pipette provided. Add the pH down sparingly (try 1ml at fi rst until
experience tells you how much you will need). Allow the reservoir an hour to mix thoroughly then
re-test the acidity. Remember it is better having to repeat the process than to overdose with the
pH down.
If the test shows yellow, add tap water. If the yellow colour persists, or in the case of accidental
overdose of pH down, the solution should be changed as soon as possible.
In a small number of areas or if using 100% rainwater for the water supply the test result may always
be yellow. If this is the case contact greenhouse
sensation
™ for further advice.
Hints and advice
1. Keep a diary noting of all your planting out dates and reservoir changes. Also recording all topping
ups required. The more water and nutrient used the better the plants are growing.
2. A weak acid solution is ideal for cleaning pump of lime-scale. Using the pipette measure
approximately 5ml of gs pH down for soft-water areas or 10ml of greenhouse
sensation
pH down
for hard-water areas and add to 1 litre of water in a suitable plastic container. At reservoir changes
run the pump in this container for 10mins. You can store this solution for future use in a suitable
container. Always label the container.
3. The ideal time to clean the pump is when you are carrying out a reservoir change.
Part fi ll the reservoir with water to help stabilise the tank before
assembly and to ensure it is level.
Place the tray into position with the access fl ap at the same
end as the maximum level indicator (triangular ledge) inside
the Reservoir. The 5 plant option includes nuts and bolts for
attaching the tray to the Reservoir’.
Push the wide end of the delivery tube into the pump outlet,
then remove the rubber cap from the side of the pump and
attach the air tube onto the pump.
Fix the pump to the inside base of the Reservoir using the
rubber suckers. Put the narrow end of the Delivery Tube
through the hole in the tray and place the air-tube outside of
the Reservoir. The air-tube valve can be adjusted by
turning the top clockwise to open, we recommend using it
fully opened.
Roll out two lengths of Spreader Mat to cover the base of the
tray, overhanging the Spreader Mat slightly into the Reservoir.
Don’t worry about overlaps or gaps in the Spreader Mat.
Fill the reservoir to the maximum fi ll level (the top triangular
indent at the pump end of the reservoir). Run the pump to wet
out the Spreader Mat.
Assembly instructions for Hydrogrow NFT
