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Action Reason for Action
Add
1 cupful (250ml) of Sun-Mar Compost Sure Blue (or 100% non-antibacterial
wood shavings) to the Bio-Drum per person per day of use.
Turn Handle
to rotate the drum a minimum of 10 revolutions, every second
day when in use. Pull the drum locker button and turn the drum 1/2 turn past its’
resting position to level the compost inside the drum. DO NOT forget to return the
drum opening to a position under the wastepipe.
Unplug
the unit if you are leaving for a period of more than a few days. If you
are leaving one weekend and coming back the next, you may unplug the unit.
Consider installing a timer to shut the unit off after 48 hours to evaporate excess
liquid. If you are leaving for a period of more than a few days, or the compost
appears dry, add approximately 1/2 gallon (2 liters) of warm water to keep the
compost moist.
Check
compost collection bin to make sure the bag does not need changing.
Compost will automatically move along the drum into the doghouse every time the
drum is rotated. When the bag becomes full, simply empty into a secondary com-
post container, where the compost will remain for another 6 months before using.
If your unit is used seasonally and is not used heavily,
you may not have to remove any compost at all during
the season. If so, follow “Annual Startups”.
- Maintains the carbon/nitrogen
balance
- Absorbs liquid
- Helps oxygen penetrate for aerobic
composting
- Mixes and oxygenates the compost
- unplugging unit will conserve power
and keep compost from drying.
- addition of water helps keep the
compost moist
- Moves some compost to the next
stage for finishing
- Ensures that the drum does not get
too full
- Provides extra time for composting
to be completed
Ongoing Toilet Maintenance
The procedure below is designed to keep the compost:
- Moist, but not too wet
- Well aerated and mixed
- Well balanced and aerobic
**
Sealand Toilet users
;
Removal of the Sealand Water Valve is advised for winter months where the toilet portion may be
exposed to freezing temperatures. The plastic housing of the water valve will crack if any moisture is left inside, necessitat-
ing the replacement of this part which is NOT covered under your warranty.
Annual Start Up (seasonal units only)
Many units are only used regularly throughout the summer. For such seasonal units Sun-Mar recommends that the
following start up procedure be followed at the beginning of the season.
Action
Reason for Action
Empty
the compost that is in the compost finishing chamber, and use the rake to
clean out the evaporation chamber.
(Optional)
If more space is required in the drum, remove additional drawers
of compost , by releasing the drum lock (white button on right side of unit), and
rotating the drum clockwise (the handle turns counter-clockwise) to extract compost
into the drawer. (At the beginning of the season, it will all be finished compost)
Add
1/2 gallon (2 litres) of warm water.
As an option for optimal composting,
Add SUN-MAR “Microbe Mix” . We do not recommend using topsoil as it may con-
tain fly larvae.
SUN-MAR “Compost Quick” enzyme can also be used as a compost accelerant.
-
Your fertilizer is ready.
- This is a good time to remove peat
debris
-
Frees space in the composting
chamber for the new seasons com-
posting.
- Raises moisture level
- Even though the compost still has
microbes in it, you may want to start
the year by replenishing your batch
of microbes.
- Compost Quick helps to accelerate the
action of the microbes.
Periodic Check Up
Once your unit has been through initial or annual start-ups, and ongoing maintenance procedures are being fol-
lowed, Sun-Mar recommends a system of periodic checks be undertaken.
Action Reason for Action
Rake
peat moss debris from the evaporation chamber, making sure to rake from
the rear of the chamber, including the back two corners of the unit. Raking should
occur on a yearly basis for cottages (best done at annual startups), and a bi-
monthly period for continuous users.
Check
your compost moisture level on each visit for cottage users and once
every two weeks for continuous users. This can be done by shining a light into the
Bio-Drum. The compost should have a slight gloss or shine to it. A moisture
meter may also be used if so desired. Range should be 4-6, which represents
40% to 60%
Clean
the drum screen. Remove the finishing drawer. The drum screen is locat-
ed to the left of the drawer. Spray the drum screen with Compost Quick and let sit
for 15 minutes (this will help to loosen the debris if the screen is not too encrust-
ed). Scrub the screen vigorously with the wire brush. If brushing the screen does
not clear it and liquid is still not draining through the screen, use a screwdriver or
nail to puncture each hole in the drum screen.
- Ensures drains cannot get plugged
and evaporation is improved.
- A good compost is between 40% and
60% moisture content.
- Prevents lumps, ensures toilet paper
breaks down quickly.
- Prevents insects
- Prevents liquid from accumulating in
the drum.
- Keeps compost from getting
anaerobic.
