Ugrow Organic: Aqua System

Operation

For big and moisture-loving plants which use a lot of water, operate your Aqua System air-pump continuously. For general use this is what we always recommend you do with your Aqua System but not in all cases.

For young plants which prefer dryer conditions it's better to not operate the pump continuously but only for half hour on and off (a simple timer will turn the pump on and off for you automatically ).

For the best grow results keep the E.C level between 1,5 and 1,8 but always start lower and slowly build it up.

Please note that this depends on the E.C of your starting water as to how you can go with the E.C .

Your pH level should be between 5.8 and 6.8 as you see the pH is more flexible but don't go higher then this (the optimum P.H level is 6.3 ). Also for a better result the water temperature should be between 19 and 22 degrees (optimum is 20 degrees).

As your plants consume water with the nutrient solution, the water level in the reservoir will drop but the E.C level will rise; the pH level can also rise or it can come to low.

When this happends it is time to top off your aqua system with water with a lower E.C level and the right pH level, topping up each time the water level drops under half.

After 10 to 14 days from the first day when you have put your plant(s) in the Aqua System, empty out the nutrients from the Aqua System, clean the system and replace it with fresh water with nutrient solution.

Repeat this procedure every two weeks for a better result.

When changing or topping off the solution in your Aqua System, it's better to pour directly gently over the hydrorocks ( rather then directly in the reservoir itself) to flush out excess salts.

Preparation For Replanting

After harvesting and before replanting new plants into your Aqua System, dismantle the system and clean all the parts with hot water and normal house soap. Rinse the hydrorocks in very hot water and then let them soak overnight in clean water with P.H level of 5.0.For safety put new hydrorocks in after every 2 crops.

Troubleshooting

Problem: white salt deposits on top of the hydrorocks

• Use a milder nutrient solution (or with plain water pH 5.8)and flush the system out from the top and let the water drain away.
• fill the system up with a fresh nutrient solution - the system is now ready to start again

Problem: the EC level runs too high

• Flush the system with plain water pH 5.8 from the top and let the water directly drain away, flush until you see that the E.C level drops to what it must be.
• Then fill up the system with fresh nutrient solution.

Problem: the pH level runs too high or too low

• Here you have to do the same thing as with the E.C level but now you have to monitor the pH level so that it is within range.

Problem: nutrients stops flowing from the drip ring

• Ensure that the air-pump is plugged in the power supply
• Check if the system is filled with nutrient solution
• Check if there is air coming out of the air-pump. If not it is broken and must be replaced.
• Check if the air line is not clogged or its loose or or blocked.
• Check if the pumping-column (thin grey tube) is not clogged with roots.
• Check if the little elbow-fitting is not clogged (this type of clogging is usually an indication that you have hard water ora too high nutrient solution in the system.
• Check whether the holes in the drip ring are clogged. If they are rinse it out and clear the holes with a toothpick. If any other parts are clogged rinse and flush out thoroughly.