HELPFUL GUIDELINES & TROUBLE SHOOTING
OPERATION
For moisture-loving plants, operate your WaterFarm pump continuously. Plants
preferring drier conditions grow best when the pump runs for 1/2 hour on and 1
hour off during daylight hours; off at night (a simple timer will turn the pump on
and off for you automatically). Use mild to normal strength nutrient solution and
avoid strong or aggressive nutrient. As your plants consume nutrient solution, the
level in the reservoir will drop. Top off with half strength solution or plain water
(the pump is more efficient when the reservoir is full). It is necessary to change the
water and nutrients every one to two weeks depending upon the size of your plants
and their rate of growth; with bigger plants change more often. Simply empty the
reservoir by rotating the blue drain level tube 90 degrees so water drains on the
ground, or indoors in a pail. When changing or topping off solution, pour directly
over the Clay Pebbles (rather than into the reservoir itself) to flush out excess salts.
PREPARATION FOR REPLANTING
After harvesting and before replanting your WaterFarm, dismantle the system
and clean all parts with hot water. Rinse Clay Pebbles in very hot water and soak
overnight. It is a good idea to dis-assemble and wash the drip ring assembly and
pumping tube from time to time in hot water.
TROUBLE SHOOTING
If white salt deposits form on the clay pebbles:
1. Try using a milder nutrient solution and topping off with plain water only.
2. Occasionally drain your system, refill with plain water and run the pump
overnight. After the overnight rinse, empty reservoir and refill with
fresh nutrient.
If plants are not growing well and you suspect “hard” water:
1. Use FloraMicro Hardwater in place of FloraMicro.
2. Try distilled or purified water. You should see a significant improvement
in plant health and growth within one week.
3. Collect rainwater for use in your WaterFarm.
If nutrient solution stops flowing from the drip ring:
1. Check to ensure that pump is plugged in and reservoir is filled with
nutrient solution.
2. Disconnect air line from the air inlet and check whether the air is coming
through (put end under water and look for bubbles if you are not sure).
No air flow could mean that the pump is broken and must be replaced or
that the air line is loose or blocked. Try cutting an inch off each end of the
line to provide a tighter fit.
3. Blow into the air inlet to check whether it is clogged, and rinse the pumping
column in hot water. This type of clogging is usually an indication that you
have hard water or too strong a nutrient solution.
4. Check whether emitter holes in the drip ring are clogged. To clear,
dis-assemble drip ring by pulling it apart at the tee, rinse drip ring and tee
in hot water and clear the holes with a toothpick.
Summary of Contents for WaterFarm
Page 1: ...WaterFarm Assembly Guide...
