FarmTek Growers Supply HydroCycle Vertical Aeroponic... Operating manual

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Revision date: 09.21.18
113593 8' Vertical System (44 Grow Sites)
*Actual system may differ from system shown.
HydroCycle Vertical
Aeroponic Systems
©2018 Growers Supply
All Rights Reserved. Reproduction
is prohibited without permission.

2113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
TOOLS
The following list identifies tools needed to
assemble the aeroponic system. Additional tools
may be needed depending on application.
• Tape measure and gloves.
• Marker
• Variable speed drill (cordless with extra
batteries works best).
• Wrenches and socket/ratchet set for stand
assembly. Sizes: 7/16", 1/2", and 3/8".
• 1-3/8" or 1-1/2" hole saw bit
• 2-1/4" hole saw bit
• 5/16" drill bit
• Tool to cut pvc tubing
• Ladders to work at the height of system.
READ THIS DOCUMENT BEFORE YOU BEGIN TO ASSEMBLE YOUR HYDROCYCLE VERTICAL AEROPONIC SYSTEM.
This guide provides helpful hints and important information needed to safely assemble and properly maintain the HydroCycle Vertical Aeroponic System. Read
and understand this guide before you begin.
Important Information
SAMPLE ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE
The steps outlining sample table system assembly
process are as follows:
1. Verify all parts are included in shipment. Notify
customer service for questions or concerns.
2. Read these instructions and all additional
documentation included with shipment before you
begin.
3. Gather tools and assistants needed to assemble
product.
BASIC CARE AND MAINTENANCE
Proper care and maintenance of your
system is important. Check the following
items periodically to properly maintain your
aeroponic system.
• Check connections to verify they remain
tight.
• Verify pump is working properly.
• Check and clean filter to optimize
performance.
• Clean reservoir periodically to prevent
unwanted contamination of solution.
• Monitor temperatures (room and solution)
to maximize plant growth.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
• Apply pvc primer and cement in a well-ventilated
area. Follow all instructions on containers.
• Use a portable GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter) when working with electric power tools
and cords. Use battery-powered tools if possible.
• Exercise caution when using all tools.
• Wear gloves and eye protection when drilling and
cutting.
UNPACK AND IDENTIFY PARTS
The following steps will ensure that you have all the
necessary parts before you begin assembly.
1. Unpack contents of shipment and place where
you can easily inventory parts. Refer to Bill of
Materials/Spec Sheets.
2. Verify all parts listed on Bill of Materials/Spec
Sheets are present. If anything is missing or you
have questions, contact Customer Service.
WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL
CORDS AND CONNECTIONS OUT OF THE
RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES
OF A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO
ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY CONNECT
PUMP TO A POWER SUPPLY.
ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE
DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL
AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES AND
STANDARDS.

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Revision date: 09.21.18 113593
Important Information
PICTORIAL GUIDE
Use the following graphics and photos to identify system parts.
110077 Air Stone
WF4065 WF1540 WF1390
112710
WF3375 WF3316
WF3420
112689
LJ2502
LJ2502
WF2190
WF4790 Key
Punch
WF1570
111045
WF2193
WF8582 113595 113696

4113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
Important Information
PICTORIAL PARTS GUIDE—CONTINUED
20 Gallon Reservoir and Cover Porthole Cover
110725
Air Pump
WR1095
Tape
WR4067
110091
Clear Vinyl Tubing
WF1033 with
112066 Shut-Off
Valve
110829
Drill & Tap Combo
113583 Flotec Utility Pump
WARNING: DO NOT ALLOW THE
PUMP TO RUN WHILE RESERVOIR
IS EMPTY. DAMAGE TO PUMP
WILL OCCUR. MONITOR NUTRIENT
LEVEL AT ALL TIMES.
CAUTION: Do not activate
pump without first priming
it. Doing so will damage
the pump! Consult all
documentation included with
the pump before you begin.
ATTENTION: A timer is required
to cycle the water pump on and
off. If you did not purchase a timer,
contact your sales representative to
purchase the 112531 timer.
*Timer not included. Additional
purchase required.
112531 Timer*
WF6990
PVC Cement
and
113372 Purple
Primer
PVC PRIMER & PVC CEMENT
Follow all directions printed
on pvc primer and cement
containers. Purple color of
primer does not fade! Use
caution during application
to reduce spills and over
application at joints.
Prime all joints before
assembly.

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Revision date: 09.21.18 113593
Basic Aeroponic System
The aeroponic system is ideal for growing in tight spaces. Multiple systems
arranged in the same area allow for maximum use of available growing space.
However you decide to use your aeroponic system, review the information that
follows to better understand how to prepare and setup and system.
1. Construct the 115041 AeroTower Stand using diagrams near the back of this
guide.
2. Review diagrams throughout this guide to help decide where to set the
system. Set tower stand and reservoir in place. Allow ample room for
cleaning, maintenance, and harvest.
3. Check overhead clearance. Height of 8' system (113593) with grow tube on
stand is approximately 128".
4. Consider system pump location and clearance it will need.
5. Consider where main power will connect to water pump and air pump.
ATTENTION: All electrical wiring to be completed by an electrical contractor
in accordance with established electrical codes.
6. Depending on setting, additional lighting may be required. Ensure that
electrical service can support the addition of artificial light fixtures if needed.
TIMER REQUIRED
For best results and to prevent over-heating of the nutrient solution, a timer is
required to control the water pump. After populating the grow tubes with plants,
set the timer to cycle the pump on and off as follows:
Run pump for three (3) minutes every two (2) hours.
Monitor the plant growth and solution temperature and adjust watering times
as needed to maximize results. Do not connect the air pump to the timer.
Air pump must run continuously for best results. *Actual system may differ from system shown.
System shown for example only.
Actual system may differ.

6113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
1. Take the reservoir and locate the smooth surface on the outside at one end.
2. Using a 2-1/4" hole saw bit and drill, drill the hole for the bulkhead fitting. Clean debris from
around hole and inside reservoir. Ensure hole is an inch or so above the bottom of reservoir to
allow for fitting installation. (Actual tank may differ from the example shown.)
3. Attach WF8582 bulkhead to reservoir. Hex nut and thin flat washer are outside the reservoir. Install
thick rubber washer on inside. Tighten until snug using large adjustable pliers.
4. Continue by preparing the cover for system assembly.
1DRILL RESERVOIR AND INSTALL BULKHEAD FITTING
Assembly Instructions—Reservoir Preparation
WF8582 Bulkhead
Fitting Installed
Install hex
nut and thin
flat washer
outside
reservoir.
WF8582

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Revision date: 09.21.18 113593
2
Assembly Instructions—Reservoir Cover Preparation
Complete these steps:
1. Take the 113797 cover and set on customer-supplied supports for
drilling drain hole. Do not drill cover over the reservoir. Debris
can damage the pump and clog the filter. Locate the center of the
raised cover where cross braces meet.
2. Use a 1-3/8" to 1-1/2" hole saw bit and drill drain hole in reservoir
cover.
3. Using a 5/16" drill bit, drill two (2) holes in the raised area on either
side of the porthole for the air lines.
4. Remove all debris from the cover and around all holes to prevent it
from dropping into the reservoir when cover is set in place.
5. Continue with the next procedure.
DRILL DRAIN AND AIR LINE HOLES IN COVER Drill 1-3/8" to 1-1/2"
drain hole here.
Drill two 5/16" air tube
holes in either location.
Photo shows prepared
cover with drilled drain
hole for grow tube.
Use a 1-3/8" to 1-1/2"
hole saw bit to drill
drain hole in cover.
Use a 5/16" drill bit to
drill the two holes for
the air lines.
ATTENTION: Actual cover design may differ. Prepare actual cover as directed.

8113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
3
For optimal system performance and to extend the life of the nutrient solution through increased
oxygenation, an aerator pump and aerator stones are included. Position stones on bottom of
reservoir opposite main pump. Air pump must remain above nutrient level to prevent siphoning.
1. Cut the 110091 tubing in half.
2. Attach one stone to each line and set the stones in the reservoir. See photo for stone position
opposite the main pump. Actual stones may differ from the example.
3. Feed tubing up through access holes and connect free end of each tube to the air pump.
(Actual reservoir cover may differ. Procedure is the same.)
ATTACH THE AIR PUMP AND AERATOR STONES
Attach 110091
tube to air stone.
110077 Air
Stone
4. Plug pump into an outlet and check the stones to ensure air is pumping through them.
Place stones in a small container of water if needed to confirm operation.
5. Turn off pump after checking the operation.
6. Set the air pump on the cover or inside the reservoir until grow tube is installed.
7. Continue with the next procedure.
Position stones opposite the pump end of the reservoir.
Air Stones
Assembly Instructions—Air Pump & Air Stones
110725
When in operation, position the air pump at a level
that is above the reservoir at all times to prevent
siphoning of the nutrient solution.
Cover shown may differ from actual cover.
Step 2
Pump
End
ATTENTION: For best results, air pump must run continuously when system is
in operation. Do not connect air pump to a circuit controlled by a timer.

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Revision date: 09.21.18 113593
INSTALL SEALS, GROMMETS, AND DRAIN EXTENSION
Assembly Instructions— Prepare Grow Tube
Complete these step:
1. Install all 112710 uniseals in the 10" grow tube. When installed correctly, seals will seat tightly against the outer surface of grow tube.
2. Next, take the two 10" grow tube caps (113107) and install one (1) 113595 grommet in each. Carefully start grommet in hole and work it around until
grommet is seated flush against lid. Fit is tight.
3. Flip lid over. Verify that collar of grommet is flat against cap surface.
4. Cut one (1) sixteen inch (16") drain extension from the 1" pvc tube.
5. Install drain extension into either 10" cap. Wet drain tube end for easier
installation. End of tube is flush with lip of rubber grommet when installed
correctly.
6. Continue with the next procedure.
112710 113595
Step 3Step 2 Step 4
End of extension is
flush with grommet.
4
1" PVC

10 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
SET RESERVOIR AND ASSEMBLE GROW TUBE
5
Assembly Instructions—Assemble Grow Tube
Complete these steps:
1. Take the 113112 mist column and carefully twist the 113107 cap
with grommet (previous procedure—Step 2) onto threaded fitting at
top.
ATTENTION: Inspect the mist column to ensure that no mist
emitters are damaged or missing. Consult the procedure to
replace damaged mist emitters near the back of this guide if
needed.
2. Seat cap tightly against shoulder of threaded fitting to seal against
cap.
3. Wrap threads of mist column fitting with thread tape. Wrap in a
direction that will not allow the tape to unwrap when manifold
section is attached.
4. Add the WF2190 fitting to the threaded end of mist column.
5. Hold column with one hand and tighten the WF2190 fitting against
the rubber grommet. Tighten until snug.
STEP 3
STEP 5
STEP 2
STEP 4
STEP 1
Seat column fitting tight
to rubber grommet.

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SET RESERVOIR AND ASSEMBLE GROW TUBE—continued
5
6. With assistance, take the grow tube and carefully slide cap and mist
column assembly into tube.
7. Work the cap over the end of grow tube and tap in place with palm of your
hand. Do not hit with hammer or anything that could crack the tubing or
cap. Verify that cap is seated in place.
ATTENTION: Do not cement cap to grow tube! Tube must remain free to
remove for system maintenance and cleaning.
8. Look into grow tube through plant sites and verify that mist nozzles align
with sites. Adjust/turn cap as needed and press back into place.
9. Take cap with drain extension (Procedure 4) and install on bottom of grow
tube. Seat in place with palm of your hand. Do not cement!
10. Set the grow tube assembly aside and continue with the next procedure.
Assembly Instructions—Assemble Grow Tube
Drain Cap
STEP 9
STEP 8STEP 7
STEP 6
STEP 10

12 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
INSTALL 111045 ELBOWS IN GROW TUBE
6
Assembly Instructions—Install 111045 Elbows in Grow Tube
Once grow tube is assembled, install all 111045 elbows. Wet end of 111045 elbow and insert it into 112710
uniseal. Install all elbows so open end points up and away from drain extension end of tube.
ATTENTION: Seat elbow tight against uniseal to prevent leaks.
111045
Verify all elbows are seated tight against seal.
STEP 1
STEP 3
STEP 2
STEP 4
Toward Top
Toward Top

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SET GROW TUBE ON TOWER STAND
7
Assembly Instructions—Set Grow Tube on Tower Stand
Step 1
Step 1
Step 2
Step 2
Take the necessary steps to assemble tower stand if this has not been completed yet. Read the following procedure to determine which part of tower stand to
attach after tower is set in place. If stand is fully assembled as shown (right), remove one upper support ring in this manner:
1. Remove two (2) lower 1/4" x 1/2" hex bolts to loosen two vertical supports.
2. Remove two (2) 1/4" x 1" bolts of upper supports.
3. Lift upper support and two vertical supports assembly off main tower frame.
4. Set cover on reservoir (if needed) and slide reservoir under tower frame.
5. Slide grow tube drain extension through hole in cover and seat tower in place on frame.
ATTENTION: Remove Y-filter housing if needed to allow tower to pass between frame cross tubes.
6. Reattach upper support and two vertical supports to secure grow tube.
7. Continue with next procedure.
Reservoir
Step 3

14 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
INSTALL PUMP AND PLUMBING
8
Assembly Instructions—Install Pump and Plumbing and Connect to Grow Tube
With tower locked in tower stand, install plumbing from reservoir to top of grow tube
using components shown. The 1" pvc is cut to length during assembly.
ATTENTION: Wrap all threaded fittings with thread tape before assembly. Use pvc
primer and pvc cement to secure all slip fitting connections. Ensure that system is in
the location where it will be in operation. Confirm water flow direction arrows on
all valves and filters before assembly. Dry fit assemblies before applying pvc
primer and pvc cement to ensure desired result.
psi
0
40
20
60
80
100
WF2193
Adapter
WF2190
Adapter WF1033
112066
113696
Ball Valve
113696
Ball Valve
WF1570
Elbow (x2)
Use short sections of 1" pvc
tubing to connect elbows.
113583
Pump
113696 Ball
Valves
ATTENTION: Connect water pump to timer. If
needed, contact your sales representative to
purchase required timer.
psi
0
40
20
60
80
100
WF3375
Check
Valve
WF1570
Elbow
WF1390
Tee
WF2193
Adapter
WF2193
Adapter
WF3316
112689
Valve
WF1380
1" PVC
Tube
WF3420
WF2190
WR4067
Gauge
LJ2502
Bushing
WF1540
Elbow
Timer
AeroTower stand not shown.
AeroTower stand not shown.

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Revision date: 09.21.18 113593
OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
General Operating Instructions
After assembly, check system before operation. Complete these steps:
1. Verify all electrical cord ends and air pump are outside reservoir before
adding solution.
2. Verify WF3316 ball valve at end of main supply manifold above vertical
grow tube is closed.
3. Verify both 113696 single union ball valves are open at pump before
running pump.
4. Fill reservoir to cover nutrient pump intake.
5. Plug air pump into a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) outlet.
Look for bubbles in reservoir to confirm air is pumping to each air stone.
Remember to always mount air pump on a surface above water
level. Pump vibrations can cause pump to move. Make sure pump does
not fall into reservoir or other liquids.
6. Consult nutrient pump documentation and prime the pump. After pump
is primed, allow it to run until water flows through mist column inside
grow tube. If water does not flow, turn off pump and repeat steps to
prime pump.
7. Check all plumbing connections for leaks.
8. Check all pvc fittings for leaks.
9. Adjust system pressure: Normal operating pressure for this aeroponic
system is 10 psi. Adjust pressure reducing valve (112689) as needed.
10. Once air is out of all lines and water sprays from mist column, turn off
nutrient pump.
11. If this has not been done yet, install timer and connect water pump to it.
Set timer to recommended watering cycles noted on Page 5.
ATTENTION: Once system is running, monitor plant growth and adjust
watering cycles as needed to maximize results.
12. System is ready to use. Add plants and grow. Mix nutrient solution
according to plant needs and instructions included with nutrient.
General Cleaning and Maintenance Instructions
For optimal performance and to increase yields, check and clean reservoir
periodically. Time between maintenance and cleaning depends on growing
environment and specific use of system. Apply the following steps as needed
to ensure your system is working properly.
1. Disconnect main power supply to turn off all pumps. Remove reservoir
cover and inspect inside of reservoir. Reservoir should be cleaned each
time nutrient solution is replenished. Keep porthole cover in place during
operation to prevent light from entering reservoir.
2. Check all plumbing connections to ensure none are leaking.
3. Check all tube supports to ensure all are functioning as designed.
4. With pump off, disassemble filter and clean screen and housing.
Reassemble for use. See procedure on next pages for details.
WARNING: KEEP ALL ELECTRICAL CORDS AND CONNECTIONS
OUT OF THE RESERVOIR. CONSULT THE SERVICES OF A
QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN TO ADEQUATELY AND SAFELY
CONNECT THE PUMPS TO A POWER SUPPLY.
ALL ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS SHALL BE DESIGNED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL AND REGIONAL BUILDING CODES
AND STANDARDS.
ATTENTION: During operation, always position air pump above
reservoir/nutrient level to prevent siphoning. For best results, air pump
must run continuously when system is in operation. Do not connect air
pump to a circuit controlled by a timer.

16 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
ATTENTION: SYSTEM SHOWN MAY DIFFER
FROM ACTUAL SYSTEM. FILTER ASSEMBLY
IS THE SAME. STEPS FOR CLEANING
RESERVOIR ARE THE SAME.
OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Clean reservoir periodically to maximize plant growth and to minimize system contamination. Steps that follow can be used to pump reservoir for cleaning and
typical maintenance. Cleaning filter is strongly recommended after cleaning reservoir.
Reservoir Cleaning and Maintenance
1. Connect a garden hose to the 112066 shutoff
valve on filter. Place end of hose in a bucket or
run it to desired location.
2. Open shutoff valve to pump out reservoir. Turn
off pump once reservoir is empty. To prevent
damage, do not run pump dry.
3. Clean reservoir as needed and repeat steps
to pump it out again. Prime pump if needed.
Consult documentation included with pump.
Close shutoff valve.
4. Remove hose and clean filter. See next page
for filter cleaning procedure.
5. Refill reservoir with nutrient solution.
6. Turn on pump.
112066
Shutoff
Valve
psi
0
40
20
60
80
100
Hose used to
drain reservoir
for cleaning and
maintenance
supplied by
customer.

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OPERATIONAL AND MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
Clean filters ensure proper flow. Filters should also be cleaned after cleaning
reservoir to remove sediment. When a reduced flow rate or drop in pressure is
noticed, follow these steps to clean filters and filter housings.
ATTENTION: SYSTEM SHOWN DIFFERS FROM ACTUAL SYSTEM.
FILTER ASSEMBLY IS THE SAME. STEPS FOR CLEANING THE
FILTER ARE THE SAME.
Clean Filter Screen and Housing
1. Turn off pump. Open valve on
filter to drain supply line and
filter.
2. Grip filter housing and main
supply line and remove
housing. Do not apply force
to filter or supply line fittings.
Hold these steady when
disassembling filter.
3. Remove screen from housing.
Using clean water, rinse
housing and screen.
4. Insert screen into housing,
reassemble filter, and close
valve.
5. Turn on pump. Prime if
needed.
6. Check filter for leaks.
Flow Flow

18 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
REPLACE DAMAGED OR BROKEN MIST EMITTER
Replace Damaged or Broken Mist Emitter
In rare instances, a mist emitter may become damaged during shipping or installation.
The 110829 drill & tap combo pak is included to easily repair a broken or damaged
emitter. Review photos below to remove broken emitter and to install a new one.
110829
Drill & Tap Combo
WF4065 WF4790 Key
Punch
1. Using a variable speed drill and the drill bit
from the 110829 combo pack, carefully drive
the threaded shaft of emitter into tube. Hold
drill steady and drill slowly. Do not damage
threads or distort hole with bit.
2. Take a replacement WF4065 mist emitter and
start it in threaded hole. Skip to Step 4.
If you are unable to start mist emitter in
threaded hole, continue with next step.
3. Clean threads using tap. Secure round shaft
of tap in drill chuck. Tap should spin evenly
with no visible wobble. Do not bottom tap out
in tube. Run it into hole just enough to clean
threads and no further. Carefully back tap out
of hole. Repeat Step 2 and continue.
4. Using WF4790 key punch, tighten emitter.
CAUTION: Turn until slight resistance is felt.
Mist emitter will break! Do not overtighten!
5. Inspect remainder of tube for damaged or
broken mist emitters and repair as needed.
Tap

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PAGE RESERVED FOR CUSTOMER NOTES AND RECORDS

20 113593 Revision date: 09.21.18
AeroTower Stand Part Locations
ITEM NO.
PART NUMBER QTY. DESCRIPTION
1115029 4 AEROTOWER STAND LEG
2115030 2
AEROTOWER STAND UH SUPPORT 1
3115031 2
AEROTOWER STAND UH SUPPORT 2
4115032 2 AEROTOWER STAND UH SUPPORT 3
5115033 2 AEROTOWER STAND UH SUPPORT 4
6115034 2 AEROTOWER STAND LH SUPPORT 1
7115035 1 AEROTOWER STAND LH SUPPORT 2
8115036 4 AEROTOWER STAND VERTICLE SUPPORT
9115037 2 AEROTOWER STAND L SUPPORT RING
10 115038 2 AEROTOWER STAND U SUPPORT RING
11 112431 4 1-1/4" X 1-1/4" ALUMINUM ANGLE CLIP
12 FA4482B 8 TEK SCREW #14X1 HWH ZINC (EA)
13 FAG100 16 CAP SCREW SS 1/4X1/2 B/100
14 FAG102B 8 HEX CAP 1/4X3/4" ZINC EACH
15 FAG336B 20
HEX CAP 5/16"X2-1/2" ZINC EACH
16 FAG340B 2 HEX CAP 5/16X3-1/2 ZINC EACH
17 FALB01B 8
NUT BULK 1/4-20 ZINC (EA)
18 FALB02B 2 NUT BULK 5/16-18 ZINC (EA)
19 FAME07B 22 BULK FLATWASH 5/16" ZINC (EA)
20 FALC30 8 COUPLING NUT 1/4-20 ZINC /EA
22 113030S01 4 FLOAT TABLE AJUSTABLE FOOTER STY 1
23 FALB34B 4 NUT HOTDIP GLV 3/8-16
24 112477 4 FODDER FRAME LEVELER INSERT
25 112770 6 1-1/2” BLACK FINISHING PLUG
10
20
17
14
13
8
12
11
9
1
6
15
7
5
16
18
3
2
4
23
22
24
19
Tools needed to assemble tower stand:
• 7/16", 1/2", and 3/8" wrench and socket set
• Battery-powered drill to install Tek screws
• 100441 Magnetic Nut Driver
• Tape measure
• Marker to mark tower location on lower frame tubes.
STAND ASSEMBLY
Use information on the following two pages to assemble stand
for aeroponic plant tower.